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OF 

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OF  CALIFORNIA 

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SECTION  11.  '  |oks 

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CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  \ 

V 


A    STORY   OF  THE 


SEVENTEENTH  CENTURY. 


BY  H.  F.  P. 

$ 


8 

00 


NEW    YOKE: 

CHARLES    SCRIBNER  &  COMPANY. 
1869. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  ia  the  year  1863,  by 

CHARLES  SCEIBNER  &  CO., 

In  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern  District  of 
New  York. 


THE  TROW   &  SMITH 

BOOK  MANUFACTURING   COMPANY, 

46,  48.  50   GREENE   ST.,  N.  T. 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK. 


I. 

IN  the  great  family  room  of  Burgomaster  Zwal- 
ler's  house,  in  ISTew  Amsterdam,  were  two  guests 
whose  arrival  from  the  Old  World  was  an  event  of 
interest  in  the  gossipy  little  town.  One  was  an 
elderly  woman,  portly  and  pillowy  in  figure;  the 
other  a  young  girl  whose  sweetness  and  grace  were 
more  impressive,  even,  than  the  delicacy  and  refine 
ment  of  her  features.  Dame  Zwaller's  interest  in  the 
latter  was  heightened  by  the  fact  that  she  had  lost 
both  father  and  mother,  and  had  just  ventured  across 
the  sea  to  accept  a  home  with  her  father's  favorite 
sister,  to  whose  care  he  had  commended  her — Lady 
Deborah  Moody,  of  Long  Island. 

Sitting  in  the  bright  firelight,  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  wide  hearth,  was  Burgomaster  Zwaller;  his 
large  red  nose  and  folded  chin  showing  how  well  he 
loved  good  cheer,  and  his  kind  voice  and  smile  win 
ning  now,  as  always,  the  good  will  of  strangers.  A 
red  skull-cap,  a  plaited  cue,  a  short,  loose  jacket,  and 
frieze  short-clothes,  conspired  to  make  his  rotund 
figure  as  broad  as  it  was  long. 

The  adornments  of  the  room  in  which  this  master 
of  the  house  sat,  were  no  less  quaint  than  himself. 


0 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 


The  floor  was  white  as  new  pine,  and  sanded  in 
hieroglyphical  figures,  which  the  English  girl  was  in 
constant  danger  of  brushing  out  with  the  long  sweep 
of  her  dress.  The  whitewashed  walls  were  zigzagged 
with  a  dye  as  blue  as  Dame  Zwaller's  new  stockings. 
A  dresser  stood  at  one  end  of  the  room,  every  shelf 
of  which  was  filled  with  rows  of  shining  dishes  and 
polished  pewter  cups.  The  uppermost  displayed  a  set 
of  Delft  china,  used  only  on  state  occasions.  It  had 
long  been  the  provoker  of  many  envious  and  ill- 
natured  speeches  at  the  expense  of  the  proud  house 
wife.  A  tall  clock,  pictured  with  the  sun  and  moon, 
majestically  ticked  in  the  corner,  and  a  spinning- 
wheel  stood  idle  before  the  narrow  window.  Over 
the  door  two  rifles  were  crossed,  within  ready  reach ; 
and  above  the  high  mantel  hung  a  huge  bow,  which 
had  been  obtained  from  an  Indian  chief  for  a  string 
of  buttons.  Two  pewter  candle-holders,  as  bright  as 
silver,  shone  upon  the  mantel,  and  sundry  small 
doors,  fastened  by  wooden  buttons,  varied  the  bare 
ness  of  the  great  chimney  wall,  besides  serving  as 
hiding-places  for  whatever  was  uncouth  in  the  neat 
dame's  eyes.  Two  iron-bound  chests,  one  of  which 
contained  the  burgomaster's  papers  and  books  (the 
contents  of  the  other,  even  Yrow  Yan  "Weil,  who 
came  once  a  week  to  gossip,  could  not  find  out), 
together  with  several  broad-seated  oak  chairs,  and  a 
claw-footed  table,  curiously  carved,  completed  the 
furniture  of  the  family  room  of  the  finest  house  in 
New  Amsterdam,  except  the  Governor's. 

Tall  Dame  Zwaller,  who  presided  here  with  broom 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  5 

and  brush,  continually  went  to  and  fro,  busy  with 
household  cares.  A  bunch  of  keys  jingled  at  her  side, 
and  a  pair  of  scissors  swung  from  her  apron-strings. 
Her  voice  was  nervous  and  decisive  in  the  frequent 
commands  given  to  old  black  Mabel  or  young  Minxey, 
whose  round  of  laborious  scouring  and  polishing  knew 
no  end.  The  voice  softened  when  it  spoke  to  plump, 
apple-cheeked  Barbara,  the  only  and  most  precious 
daughter.  She  was  a  happy  soul,  like  her  father,  not 
seeing  at  all  the  vital  need  of  making  a  shining  sun 
of  every  pewter  cup,  or  of  pursuing  spiders  to  the 
death,  or  of  devoting  all  the  spare  moments  of  her 
life  to  knitting  long  stockings.  She  sat  now  by  her 
father,  demure  and  pretty,  with  her  dark  hair  nearly 
hidden  under  a  close-fitting,  blue,  quilted  cap,  and 
her  round  form  snugly  laced  in  a  red  bodice.  The 
short  petticoat  disdained  to  hide  the  goodly  size  of 
her  foot,  of  which  she  neither  thought  or  cared,  so 
long  as  the  Holland  shoe  fitted  well.  One  felt  in 
clined  to  pinch  her  ruddy,  round  cheeks,  or  squeeze 
her  plump,  dimpled  hands,  as  if  she  were  a  child, 
only  for  the  tell-tale  ring  on  her  finger.  She  said 
little  as  she  sat  there,  stealing  glances  of  profound  ad 
miration  at  the  youthful  stranger,  Constance  Aylmer, 
who  seemed  to  her  to  have  glided  out  of  one  of  the 
old  legends  so  often  told  by  the  fireside.  But  a  sud 
den  knock  startled  her,  and,  hastening  to  open  the 
door,  a  frank,  manly  voice  saluted  her,  which  brought 
the  burgomaster  to  a  quick  and  hearty  welcome  of 
the  bachelor  son  of  his  excellent  friend,  Lady  Moody. 
"  Is  this  the  same  Constance  I  left  romping  on  the 


6  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

lawn  at  Atherton  Hall  ? "  asked  Sir  Henry  with  some 
surprise,  as  he  dropped  Mynheer's  hand,  and  met  his 
newly-arrived  cousin. 

•    "  The  very  same,"  she  said,  as  his  kind  arms  en 
folded  her.  • 

"  You  thought  my  slow  coming  a  cold  welcome, 
did  you  not  ? "  he  asked.  "  We  cannot  speed  here  at 
will  in  a  post-coach.  It  is  no  small  journey  from 
Gravesend  to  New  Amsterdam,  as  you  will  soon  find. 
Good-day  to  you,  Dame  Zwaller !  "  he  continued, 
turning  to  her,  who  had  come  in  at  the  sound  of  his 
voice.  "  Thank  you  for  housing  my  "bird  !  " 

"  This  is  Mistress  Primley,  iny  chaperone  across 
the  Atlantic,"  said  Constance,  smiling,  and  leading 
him  toward  her  matronly  companion,  whose  eyes  had 
been  fixed  upon  him  with  interest  since  his  entrance. 
Mistress  Primley  courtesied  with  the  dignity  of  a 
duchess,  but  even  her  cap-ribbons  fluttered  at  the 
grateful  thanks  bestowed  upon  her  for  her  attention 
to  his  cousin,  during  the  tedious  voyage. 

"  Lady  Moody  will  come  herself  to  thank  you," 
concluded  he,  as  they  sat  down  by  the  blazing  fire  to 
talk  of  friends,  of  the  voyage,  and  of  the  novelties  and 
hardships  that  awaited  the  newly-arrived. 

"  I  am  glad  you  had  so  fair  a  voyage,  my  cousin  ; 
but  why  did  you  not  rough  it  in  the  wind,  rather 
than  pale  your  cheeks  in  the  cabin  ?  How  did  it 
happen,  Mistress  Primley  ? " 

"  It  is  unseemly  for  ladies  to  spoil  their  com 
plexions,"  she  replied.  "  Besides,  I  feared  she  would 
catch  cold  in  the  spray,  or  that  a  wave  might  wash 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEB.  7 

her  overboard ;  or  that  the  wind  would  blow  her  away, 
or  what  not.  She  was  safer  by  me  in  the  cabin." 

"  Did  you  never  go  on  deck  ? "  Sir  Henry  asked, 
turning  to  Constance  with  a  look  of  mingled  surprise 
and  merriment. 

"  Rarely,"  she  replied,  playfully.  "  Mistress 
Primley  was  much  distressed  lest  the  rigging  should 
fall  and  crush  me.  Indeed,  I  feared  lest  I  should  not 
behold  the  sea  at  all,  but  my  dread  of  your  laughter 
and  my  desire  to  see  if  the  good  ship  sliced  the  waves 
as  daintily  as  you  promised,  made  me  over  rule  her 
wishes  sometimes." 

"  Mistress  Primley,"  said  Sir  Henry  gravely,  "  did 
you  mean  to  roll  Constance  like  a  bug  in  a  nut-shell 
from  the  Old  World  to  the  New,  so  that  she  might 
never  be  able  to  find  her  way  back  again  ?  " 

"  I  will  give  your  lordship  a  better  reason.  There 
was  a  certain  Lord  Percy  on  board,  who  took  delight 
in  wild  tales  of  the  colonies,  and  insisted  that  your 
cousin  was  to  be  buried  alive  among  the  boors  of 
Long  Island,  or  scalped  by  the  savages.  She  sat,  one 
day,  upon  a  coil  of  ropes  while  he  was  thus  discours 
ing,  and — you  see  those  long  curls  falling  from  her 
temples — he  lifted  them,  circled  a  dirk-knife  round  her 
head,  and  said,  '  This  is  the  way  they  would  rob  you 
of  your  silken  hair ! '  How  did  I  know  but  this  noble 
man,  who  may  or  may  not  be  a  real  lord,  (shrugging 
her  shoulders,)  might  carry  the  precious  child  off  in 
the  ship's  boat  ?  I  think  he  would  have  the  heart  for 
it." 

Mistress  Primley  leaned  back  in  her  chair  and 


8  COXSTANCE  ATLilER. 

drew  a  deep  sigh  of  relief  that  her  charge  was  safely 
here.  The  burgomaster  looked  silently  at  the  fire, 
and  thought  upon  this  Lord  Percy,  whose  arrival  had 
already  been  discussed  at  the  Stadt  Huys,  and  who 
was  established  in  state  at  Metje  Wessel's  Inn.  Sir 
Henry  turned  inquiringly  to  Constance,  and  noticed 
that  her  paleness  had  given  place  to  roses  almost  as 
intense  as  Barbara's. 

"  Did  he  offer  no  apology  for  his  rudeness  ? "  he 
sternly  asked. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Constance,  bowing  her  head  with 
evident  wish  to  drop  the  subject.  Happily  for  her, 
Dame  Zwaller  announced  supper,  and,  when  that  was 
over,  the  busy  housewife  drew  the  spinning-wheel 
from  its  corner,  and  accompanied  the  chit-chat  of  her 
guests  with  its  musical  buzz.  Mistress  Primley 
brought  out  her  unfailing  knitting  and  industriously 
clicked  her  needles,  till  the  tall  clock  tolled  eight. 
This  was  the  signal  for  Minxey  to  come  with  Bible 
and  taper,  and  stand  behind  the  burgomaster's  chair 
while  he  read.  An  hour  afterward,  the  glowing  pine 
knot  was  smothered  in  ashes,  the  room  was  deserted, 
the  wheel  was  still,  the  cat  lay  curled  upon  its  cushion 
and  slept  softly.  Of  all  in  the  house,  only  the  cu 
rious  clock  was  wide  awake. 

In  spite  of  the  soothing  stillness,  Constance  did 
not  rest  well.  Her  dreams  were  peopled  with  impish 
Minxeys  darting  arrows  at  her,  Dutch  dames  twisting 
her  curls  into  a  cue,  and  Lord  Percy  smiling  and 
whispering  at  her  side,  then  oddly  perching  upon  the 
chimney  top  and  screeching.  "  te  whit,  te  whoo." 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  9 

This  awoke  her.  She  lay  listening  a  long  time  to  the 
doleful  cry  of  a  real  owl  who  was  amusing  himself 
with  the  echo  of  his  croak,  instead  of  hiding  his  crook 
ed  nose  under  his  wing,  as  any  respectable  bird  ought 
to  do  at  that  time  of  night.  At  last,  she  espied  the 
first  gleam  of  dawn  through  the  little  window  open 
ing  just  beneath  th.e  peak  of  the  gable,  and  too  high 
for  her  to  reach  even  on  tip-toe.  At  the  earliest  stir 
of  the  household,  she  presented  herself,  much  to  their 
surprise.  Her  explanation  at  breakfast  of  her  early 
awakening  created  a  round  of  laughter.  Mistress 
Primley  shook  her  head  and  looked  grave. 

"  It  is  a  warning.     May  nothing  happen  !  " 

Sir  Henry  thought  this  croak  as  dismal  as  the  owl's 
hoot.  As  soon  as  the  curds  and  new  milk  had  re 
ceived  ample  justice,  he  hastened  to  prepare  for  his 
departure  to  Gravesend. 

Dame  Zwaller  bade  Constance  good-by  at  the  gate. 
Her  heart  had  gone  out  warmly  toward  the  artless 
young  girl.  With  real  regret  at  the  parting,  she  ear 
nestly  pressed  her  to  spend  the  coming  holiday  under 
her  roof.  The  burgomaster  and  Mistress  Primley 
went  with  her  to  the  landing,  where  Cornelius  Dirck- 
sen,  the  ferryman,  waited  to  row  them  across  to 
Breuk]yn.  He  had  ample  time  for  the  extra  pull,  as 
his  regular  trips  occurred  but  twice  a  day,  to  transport 
the  farmers  with  their  cabbages  to  market. 

Mistress   Primley  shed  tears   at  the  loss  of  her 
protegee,  whom  she   declared  she  loved  as  her  own 
child.     She  watched  the  boat  as  long  as  she  could 
distinguish  Constance. 
1* 


10  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

"  What  if  the  boat  should  upset !  Do  you  think 
it  will,  Mynheer  ? "  Her  tears  flowed  afresh  at  the 
thought.  But  Mynheer  reminded  her  that  the  ferry 
man  was  a  strong  man  and  a  wonderful  swimmer,  so 
that  he  might  easily  put  Constance  high  and  dry  in 
his  hat  and  float  her  ashore.  This  was  a  great  conso 
lation.  Mistress  Priinley  was  content  now  to  leave 
off  straining  her  eyes  in  gazing  after  the  boat  through 
her  tears,  and  went  back  to  the  house  praising  Con 
stance  all  the  way. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  11 


II. 

GKAVESEND,  in  its  fourteenth  year,  was  a  small  vil 
lage  surrounded  by  high  palisades.  Its  streets  radia 
ted  from  a  common  centre  where  stood  the  Town 
house,  the  pump  and  the  whipping-post.  The  best 
of  the  houses  were  double,  with  long,  sloping  thatch 
ed  roofs,  and  huge  chimney-stacks  which  admitted  as 
much  light  as  the  very  small  windows. 

A  little  beyond  the  village,  and  also  enclosed  by 
high  palisades,  stood  a  large,  irregular  stone  house 
called  Moody  Hall,  both  on  account  of  the  superiority 
of  the  building  and  on  account  of  its  occupants.  Its 
possessor,  Lady  Moody,  was  one  of  the  patentees  of 
the  town.  She  had  come  here  to  enjoy  more  freedom 
of  opinion  than  was  granted  her  at  Lynn  among  the 
Puritans.  Ten  years  later  she  would  have  been  per 
secuted  there  as  a  Quaker.  The  people  of  Gravesend, 
like  herself,  were  English,  with  few  exceptions,  and 
of  the  same  religious  belief.  They  regarded  this 
Lady-mother  with  awe  as  well  as  affection,  and  sub 
mitted  to  her  judgment  all  difficulties  which  could 
not  be  otherwise  settled. 

The  house,  which  the  villagers  pointed  out  to 
strangers  with  pride,  was  spacious  on  the  ground- 
floor,  and  lighted  with  deep,  narrow  windows  of  dia 
mond-shaped  panes.  The  roof  was  red-tiled,  and 
curved  out  in  •  a  steep  slope  beyond  the  front  wall, 


12  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

where  it  was  supported  by  roughly-hewn  column?, 
and  formed  a  long  piazza.  Some  of  these  rude  col 
umns,  and  part  of  the  roof,  were  covered  with  a 
luxuriant  creeping  vine.  It  was  a  mass  of  rich  green 
in  summer.  Now,  early  in  November,  it  gleamed 
scarlet.  The  floor  of  the  piazza  and  the  entrance- 
path,  were  paved  with  round,  smooth  pebbles.  A 
settle -bench  stood  against  the  wall  beneath  the  win 
dows,  and  was  a  cool  resting-place  in  summer.  The 
ponderous  double  door,  with  "  bull's  eyes "  in  its 
upper  panels,  opened  into  a  wide  hall.  Above  the 
doors  leading  to  side  rooms,  deers'  antlers  were  fixed, 
in  proof  of  Sir  Henry's  skill  as  a  huntsman ;  and  In 
dian  trophies  hung  upon  the  walls.  The  large  room 
on  the  left  had  the  luxury  of  silk  hangings  and  richly- 
carved  furniture,  which  had  seen  their  best  days  in 
England.  If  this  room  had  an  air  of  the  world,  it 
was  no  fault  of  Lady  Moody 's  now ;  for  these  vanities 
were  the  relics  of  her  gayer  days.  It  was  used  only 
on  rare  occasions — such  as  the  coming  of  the  Right 
Honorable  Lord  and  Director-General,  Petrus  Stuy- 
vesant,  whom  nobody  in  Gravesend  dared  to  enter 
tain,  or  knew  so  well  how  to  manage  as  the  good 
mother. 

The  room  opposite  this  was  the  home  of  the  house. 
Here  the  fire  always  glowed  in  winter;  deep  arm 
chairs  stood  hospitably  by  the  wide  hearth ;  a  round 
work-table,  with  its  orderly  basket,  occupied  an  in 
viting  corner ;  and  a  library  filled  the  space  opposite 
the  windows. 

This  was  to  be  Constance  Ayhner's  home.     Her 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEB.  13 

first  glimpse  of  the  red-tiled  roof  above  the  palisades, 
as  she  and  Sir  Henry  wound  along  the  road,  alarmed 
her  lest  she  should  feel  like  a  prisoner  there. 

"  Why  is  it  so  like  a  fort  ? "  she  asked. 

"  To  protect  us  from  the  attacks  of  Indians,"  was 
the  reply.  "  Those  palisades  did  us  good  service  two 
years  gone.  We  can  fight  our  own  battles  there 
without  help  of  soldiers."  Constance  turned  toward 
hi  m^  with  a  frightened  look. 

"  Lord  Percy  spoke  truly,  then,"  said  she. 

"  I  hope  not,  my  cousin,"  was  the  laughing  reply. 
"  There  is  little  fear  of  the  savages  now,  for  my  good 
mother  has  held  a  great  talk  with  the  chiefs.  They 
know  she  is  the  soul  of  honor,  for  they  have  tried  her 
and  found  her  true — just  as  you  will  find  her  every 
day  of  her  life.  In  any  event,  my  sweet  cousin,  your 
bright  locks  are  safe.  Take  the  word  of  a  gallant 
bachelor  for  that." 

"  Thank  you,"  returned  Constance,  smiling  and  re 
assured.  "  Tell  me  more  of  aunt  Deborah.  Is  she 
like  my  mother  ?  " 

"  Her  smile  alone  may  remind  you  of  her — per 
haps  her  voice.  Eor  the  rest,  I  can  only  tell  you  to 
think  of  the  personification  of  purity,  of  uprightness 
before  God  and  man,  of  generosity  iu  soul  and  purse, 
of  strong  feelings  under  complete  control,  of  tenderest 
affection,  and  you  have  my  mother  as  she  seems  to 
me.  Not  the  faintest  likeness  in  me,  you  perceive," 
he  added,  suddenly  breaking  from  the  grave  tone  in 
which  he  was  speaking.  "  Here  we  are.  You  will 
soon  see  for  yourself." 


14  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

Constance  was  trying  to  reconcile  this  character 
with  the  image  she  retained  of  her  aunt  since  child 
hood.  It  was  that  of  an  elegant  woman,  attired  in 
embroidered  robes  and  ruffs,  and  whose  animated 
face  was  surmounted  by  a  cloud  of  powdered  hair. 
With  this  vision  still  floating  before  her,  she  alighted 
and  hastened  along  the  path,  just  as  the  ponderous 
door  swung  back.  There  stood  Lady  Moody,  wait 
ing  to  welcome  her.  Constance  was  chilled  with  dis 
appointment  at  the  first  sight.  The  placid  greeting, 
the  nunnish  dress,  the  lace  cap — simple  and  fresh, 
hiding  with  rigor  the  wealth  of  hair  as  if  to  smother 
pride  in  it — the  smooth  neckerchief,  white  as  snow — 
all  together  repelled  her,  and,  instead  of  throwing  her 
arms  around  her  aunt's  neck,  as  she  had  all  the  time 
unconsciously  expected  to  do,  she  simply  clasped  her 
hand,  kissed  her  gently,  and  smiled  a  homesick  smile. 
Then  she  followed  her  to  the  library,  where  they  sat 
a  few  moments  talking  of  the  journey  and  of  the 
Zwallers.  Lady  Moody  quickly  saw  the  weary,  sad 
look  in  the  face  that  had  never  learned  to  hide  the 
thoughts  behind  it,  and  said  with  cheerful  tenderness, 

"  Come,  my  daughter,  I  will  show  thee  the  pretty 
chamber  prepared  for  thee.  When  tired  of  us,  thee 
can  steal  away,  as  I  remember  thee  did  when  a 
child,  and  can  hide  there  as  thee  used  to  behind  thy 
mother's  chair,  to  work  undisturbed."  Her  face 
shone  with  smiling  goodness  so  plainly  that  Con 
stance  forgot  the  smooth  cap  and  gray  gown,  and 
thought,  after  all,  she  was  not  as  austere  as  she  at 
first  would  have  believed.  Listening  to  cheerful  talk 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEK.  15 

of  the  past,  she  found  herself  laughing  by  the  time 
they  had  climbed  the  stairway,  and  was  interested  to 
see  what  the  •  pretty  room  under  the  eaves  contained. 
A  tent-bed  stood  there,  draped  with  curtains  of  blue 
wool,  the  finest  that  had  been  woven  at  the  Hall. 
The  windows  were  also  curtained  with  blue.  A  deep, 
straight-backed  chair,  with  broad  arms,  standing  by 
the  window,  and  before  it  a  small  round  table  with 
supports  in  tripod-form,  and  a  richly-carved  ward 
robe  of  black  oak,  were  the  chief  objects  of  the 
pleasant  chamber.  Lady  Moody  threw  back  the 
wooden  blind. 

"  Thee  can  gee  the  bay  from  this  window,  and  the 
ships  and  fishermen's  craft  as  they  come  in.  Thee 
must  be  watchful  to  catch  sight  of  one,  for  they  do 
not  come  like  flocks  of  white  birds  as  they  used  upon 
the  Thames.  But  do  not  strain  thine  eyes  now.  Lie 
here  and  rest,  and  another  time  we  will  see  all  that 
will  be  pleasant  to  thee  here." 

Constance  was  grateful  for  the  thought  bestowed 
upon  her  comfort,  but  she  still  felt  too  much  awed  to 
express  it.  As  soon  as  left  alone,  she  buried  herself 
in  the  downy  bed  and,  with  her  cheeks  wet  with  home 
sick  tears,  fell  into  a  deep,  dreamless  slumber,  just 
such  as  she  needed  after  her  sleepless  night  and  fa 
tiguing  journey. 

While  she  slept  profoundly  under  the  blue  curtains 
in  the  little  chamber,  two  persons  sat  in  the  library 
talking  of  her.  Sir  Henry,  in  his  restless  way,  teazed 
the  logs  into  a  brighter  flame  while  speaking,  and  his 
friend,  Mr.  Mordaunt,  listened  with,  easy  indifference. 


16  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

"  She  is  a  fine  horsewoman.  Joan  of  Arc  could 
not  have  done  better  to-day." 

"Englishwomen  are  hardy,"  returned  Mr.  Mor- 
daunt,  wondering  if  the  newly-arrived  was  a  stout 
spinster.  There  was  a  twinkle  of  mischief  in  Sir 
Henry's  eye  when  he  added, 

"  She  can  tie  a  stronger  mesh  than  Timon,  the 
weaver,  in  the  house  beyond  the  palisades ;  and  I'll 
warrant  there  is  not  an  archer  in  the  New  Nether 
lands  can  send  an  arrow  straighter  to  the  mark  than 
she!" 

"  Ah  !  an  Amazonian  ! "  Sir  Henry  made  no  reply 
to  this,  but  abruptly  turned  the  conversation  to  law 
matters  which  had  brought  Mr.  Mordaunt  from  Yir- 
ginia.  An  hour  later,  Constance  came  in,  fresh  and 
smiling,  from  her  rest.  Sir  Henry  presented  her  to 
his  friend,  feeling  intense  satisfaction  at  his  uncon 
cealed  surprise  when  he  found  the  stout  spinster  sud 
denly  transformed  into  a  graceful  young  girl  of 
delicate  beauty.  Mr.  Mordaunt  was  not  captivated 
however.  He  was  too  accustomed  to  captivate  others 
to  be  moved  at  first  sight.  His  ideal  of  beauty  was 
the  dazzling,  piquant  style ;  not  at  all  the  gentle 
loveliness  of  the  one  before  him.  He  quickly  recovered 
his  self-possession  and  entered  into  conversation,  which 
was  presently  broken  by  the  announcement  of  tea,  but 
resumed  with  interest  around  the  table.  Tall  wax 
candles  shed  a  soft  light  over  the  group,  and  upon  the 
table  laid  with  such  nicety  and  spread  with  such 
bounty  as  to  stimulate  the  daintiest  of  appetites. 

"  I  need  not  ask  if  thou  art  refreshed,  I  see  it  in 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  17 

thy  countenance,"  said  Lady  Moody  as  she  made  tea 
from  the  bright  silver  kettle  before  her.  "  Thee  will 
make  a  good  pioneer." 

"  Our  friends  in  England  promised  that  I  should 
wilt  under  the  hardness  of  this  new  country,"  replied 
Constance.  "  I  am  glad  yon  do  not  discourage  me, 
also." 

"  I  should  think  one  delicately  bred  would  find  the 
transplanting  harsh,"  said  Mr.  Mordaunt,  who  sat 
opposite.  "  Does  not  the  uncouthness  of  even  New 
Amsterdam  look  doleful  to  your  eyes  ? " 

"  Oh  no,"  she  laughingly  answered.  "  Every  thing 
was  so  droll  and  yet  so  simple  there,  I  took  pleasure 
in  it." 

"  But  the  villages  are  rude.  You  can  not  shop  in 
Gravesend  as  in  London." 

"  Nor  have  I  the  need  here,  as  there." 

"  Ah  !  I  see !  Novelty  holds  you  charmed.  When 
dangers  beset  you,  I  am  afraid  you  will  not  with 
stand  them  so  bravely  as  the  loss  of  refined  communi 
ties."  , 

"I  will  not  boast  my  courage  before  it  is  tried. 
In  any  case,  why  need  I  fear,  since  my  brave  cousin 
is  here  ? " 

"  My  services  are  pledged,"  said  Sir  Henry  gravely. 
"  Mr.  Mordaunt,  you  will  alarm  Constance  by  your 
promises  of  ill  happenings  as  much  as  did  Lord  Percy 

during  the  voyage "  here  he  stopped  upon  seeing 

her  frightened  pleading  look,  lest  he  should  repeat 
Mistress  Primley's  tale.  Mr.  Mordaunt's  observing 
eyes  caught  the  troubled  glance  also,  and  did  not  fail 


18  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

to  notice  the  rosy  flush  that  mounted  to  her  cheek. 
Who  was  this  Lord  Percy  ?  And  what  was  he  to  her  ? 
Perhaps  she  was  not  free  to  be  won.  That  were  a 
pity,  for  there  was  a  charm  about  her  not  at  first  dis 
covered — an  electrical  play  of  soul  in  the  features 
which  continually  lighted  and  varied  their  expression. 
Mr.  Mordaunt  found  himself  studying  her  face  more 
than  once,  and  now  that  there  was  a  possibility  of  a 
rival  he  felt  that  the  preference  of  such  a  woman 
would  be  a  high  honor. 

"  Who  is  this  Lord  Percy  of  whom  thee  just 
spoke  ? "  asked  Lady  Moody. 

"A  nobleman  in  high  state  at  Metje  Wessell's  inn, 
who  arrived  in  the  same  ship  with  Constance.  He 
lias  some  matters  to  transact  with  the  Director.  You 
will  doubtless  see  him  soon,  for  he  told  me  he  desired 
to  assure  himself  of  my  cousin's  health  and  safety 
after  the  fatigue  of  the  voyage."  Constance's  eyes 
were  fastened  upon  her  plate  while  he  spoke.  "  Bal- 
tazzar  Stuy  vesant  will  accompany  him,"  he  continued, 
"  and  will  doubtless  prove  his  chivalry  irfyoar  lady 
ship's  service.  This  is  for  your  comfort,  my  cousin, 
lest  you  fear  a  dearth  of  fine  gallants  ia  our  pleasant 
country." 

Even  Lady  Moody,  always  so  tranquil,  laughed 
audibly  at  the  thought  of  the  unwieldy  Baltazzar, 
playing  the  nimble  gallant.  Sir  Henry  immediately 
described  him  with  exaggeration. 

"His  breeches  are  no  less  than  four  at  one  wear 
ing,  and  his  jackets,  three.  His  cue  is  the  longest  and 
broadest  plaited  in  New  Amsterdam,  and  his  hat  has 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  19 

the  widest  brim.  He  always  reminds  me  of  one  of 
Dame  Zwaller's  Holland  cheeses." 

"  Ah,  my  son,  thee  need  not  spend  thy  wits  upon 
one  who  has  done  thee  so  many  favors.  Constance, 
thee  will  not  find  in  Manhattan  a  better  heart  than 
this  same  Baltazzar  owns.  Christiana  Zwaller  knows 
it,  and  her  daughter  Barbara,  who  is  betrothed  to  him, 
can  tell  thee  how  truly  I  speak." 

"  We  cannot  admit  her  testimony,"  laughed  Mr. 
Mordaunt. 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  render  mine,"  added  Constance. 
"  I  have  great  desire  to  see  also  your  generous  protec 
tor,  the  Governor."  Sir  Henry  smiled  contempt 
uously. 

"  You  will  come  to  learn  that  he  is  more  of  a 
tyrant  than  protector.  Governor  Keith  was  a  more 
liberal  guardian  of  our  rights  than  he." 

"  Has  any  thing  new  come  to  thy  knowledge  to 
day  ? "  anxiously  asked  Lady  Moody. 

"  No,  mother.  I  had  in  mind  his  new  proclama 
tion,  forbidding  the  worship  of  any  sect  save  the  Cal- 
vinists.  Tou  will  have  no  more  freedom  here,  than  in 
the  English  colonies.  Only  for  savages  and  beasts,  we 
might  still  follow  the  sun  with  profit." 

" '  Go  further  and  fare  worse,' "  suggested  Mr. 
Mordaunt,  as  they  arose  from  table,  and  returned  to 
the  library. 

Constance  withdrew  early,  not  to  sleep,  but  to  talk 
long  of  the  sacred  past  with  her  aunt.  It  was  a 
precious  interchange  of  joys  and  sorrows,  such  as  won 
her  heart,  and  bound  them  together  in  sympathy  and 


20  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

love.  When  at  last  they  said  good  night,  she  forgot 
the  smooth  neckerchief  and  threw  her  arms  lovingly 
around  Lady  Moody,  exclaiming, 

"  I  have  indeed  found  a  mother !     I  am  happy ! " 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  21 


III. 

BEFOKE  breakfast  the  next  morning,  .Constance 
stood  by  the  shelves  in  the  library,  lost  in  a  book. 
Mr.  Mordaunt  came  sauntering  through  the  hall. 
Catching  a  glimpse  of  her,  he  stopped  in  the  door-way 
to  admire  the  effect  of  her  simple  blue  morning-dress, 
loosely  girdled,  her  hair  fastened  without  ornament, 
and  the  small  foot  almost  hidden  by  the  huge  rosette 
of  her  slipper.  Even  the  bend  of  her  neck,  and  the 
droop  of  her  shoulders,  did  not  escape  his  critical  sur 
vey.  Eyes  thus  fastened  upon  one  are  always  felt. 
Constance  turned  without  knowing  why,  and  seeing 
him,  wished  him  a  cheerful  good-morning,  and  restored 
the  book  to  its  place. 

"  Lost  in  book-lore  so  early  ? "  said  he,  glancing 
over  the  rows  of  volumes  as  if  to  know  their  titles. 

"  Only  a  quaint  poem,  I  chanced  to  see."  Mr. 
Mordaunt  noted  its  Latin  title. 

"  Ladies  do  not  often  amuse  themselves  with  learn 
ing,  even  in  England,  Mistress  Aylmer." 

"  Oh,  I  am  not  learned.  But  my  mother  caused  me 
to  be  taught  as  my  brother.  She  thought  embroidery 
and  the  harpsichord  pleasant  trifles,  but  not  worthy  to 
serve  one  at  all  times." 

"  Learning  helps  one  to  endure  hardness,"  returned 
Mr.  Mordaunt.  "  You  will  have  need  of  that  and  the 
harpsichord  too,  in  this  wilderness  home.  Can  you 
truly  find  content  away  from  the  gayeties  of  London  ? " 


22  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

"  Truly  I  can,  for,  having  never  tasted  those  gaye- 
ties,  I  shall  not  miss  them.  I  have  always  lived  at 
Atherton  Hall." 

All  the  time  she  answered,  Mr.  Mordaunt  Avas 
watching  the  changing  expression,  the  frank,  con 
fiding  look  in  her  eyes,  the  play  of  dimples  around 
her  sweet  mouth,  and  then  the  modest  falling  of  her 
eyelids  under  his  too  studious  gaze,  which  sank  more 
deeply  into  his  heart  for  after-dreaming,  than  any 
coquettish  brilliancy  he  professed  to  admire.  It  was 
more  dangerous  pastime  for  him  than  he  knew.  Even 
at  breakfast,  while  talking  with  Lady  Moody  of  the 
affairs  of  the  colony,  his  eyes  wandered  so  often 
toward  Constance,  that  when  he  had  gone,  Sir  Henry 
drily  remarked,  that  he  continually  mistook  her  for 
Lady  Moody. 

"  Is  my  hair  disordered  ?  Is  my  toilet  awry  or 
unseemly,  aunt  Deborah?"  was  Constance's  question 
as  soon  as  they  were  alone. 

"  I  see  no  fault.     "Why  does  thee  ask  ?  " 

"  Mr.  Mordaunt  scanned  me  so  well,"  she  laugh 
ingly  answered,  "that  I  believed  he  thought  me 
unfitly  attired." 

"  Thee  must  pardon  him,  for  he  has  not  seen  one 
of  his  own  countrywomen  of  gentle  birth,  these 
many  months.  He  was  used  to  much  courtly  society 
before  he  came  hither.  He  seeks  to  repair  a  broken 
fortune  in  Virginia,  and  will  doubtless  return  to  Eng 
land,  when  his  wishes  are  fulfilled.  Will  thee  come 
now  and  learn  the  windings  of  the  house  ? " 

Constance  followed  Lady  Moody  in   her  usual 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  23 

morning  rounds  to  the  great  kitchen,  where  Chloe, 
black  as  ebony,  presided  over  kettles  swinging  upon 
the  crane,  in  the  huge  fireplace,  or  delighted  herself 
at  the  pastry-board.  The  tiled  floor  was  spotless  in 
its  neatness,  the  cross-beams  above  were  festooned 
with  strings  of  apples  drying,  and  bunches  of  sweet 
herbs  swung  from  hooks  in  the  wall.  Beyond  the 
kitchen,  was  the  dairy,  with  its  cool  stone  floor,  and 
its  rows  of  full  pans  crusted  with  delicious  cream. 
Eosc  stood  there,  just  bringing  up  golden  butter  from 
the  depths  of  the  churn.  It  was  a  pleasant  sight, 
suggestive  of  a  plentifulness  which  Lady  Moody  gen 
erously  shared  with  those  who  lacked  stores  of  their 
own.  The  rooms  above  displayed  piles  of  linen, 
woollen  fabrics,  and  coarse  material,  the  sum  of  the 
industry  of  old  Csesar,  and  Phiilis,  and  young  Jinney, 
who  spun  and  wove  in  an  outer  building,  a  stone's 
throw  from  the  house.  The  finest  of  the  wool  and 
flax,  were  reserved  for  Lady  Moody's  wheel.  It  was 
woven  in  the  house-loft  by  Hose,  whence  came  the 
soft  blue  fabric  that  curtained  the  pretty  room  under 
the  eaves. 

When  the  morning  round  was  finished,  and  the 
two  returned  to  the  library,  Constance  hesitatingly 
asked, 

"  Are  all  these  black  people  slaves,  whom  I  have 
just  seen,  aunt  Deborah  ?" 

"  No,  my  daughter,  they  have  earned  their  freedom 
according  to  their  faithfulness.  Tobee,  the  herdsman, 
gains  his  papers  the  first  day  of  the  New  Year.  Min- 
go  and  Peter,  the  field  hands,  belong  to  Christiana 


24  COXSTANCE    AYLMEE. 

Zwaller,  whom  I  have  entreated  much  to  sell  to 
them  their  freedom.  She  believes  it  would  cause 
mischief,  and  waxes  indignant  when  I  press  the  mat 
ter." 

"  She  is  not  a  gentle  mistress,"  said  Constance, 
remembering  the  shrill,  impatient  voice. 

"  She  is  the  best  housewife  in  Manhattan,"  replied 
Lady  Moody,  unwilling  to  lessen  her  friend  in  any  one's 
esteem.  To  end  the  subject,  she  went  out  upon  the 
piazza  and  into  the  garden,  where  she  busied  herself 
in  pruning  the  leafless  rose-bushes.  The  air  was  soft 
and  hazy  like  a  returned  Indian  summer.  Its  pleas 
antness  tempted  Constance  to  walk  outside  the  pali 
sades,  and  then,  seeing  Mingo  with  his  oxen  and  cart 
trundling  along  the  road  that  led  toward  the  forest, 
the  idea  came  to  go  also,  and  gather  bright  leaves  in 
the  hollows. 

"  Stop,  Mingo  !  "  cried  she,  "  take  me  in  your  cart." 
He  could  hardly  believe  his  ears,  but  seeing  her  in 
earnest,  he  stripped  off  his  jacket  and  spread  it  over 
the  bottom  of  the  cart.  Constance  sprang  lightly  in, 
and  seated  herself  with  a  smiling  "  Thank  you." 
Mingo  gave  the  word  of  advance,  flourishing  his  long 
whip  over  the  ears  of  the  oxen  as  proudly  as  if  he  were 
postillion  .to  a  princess.  The  old  cart  was  instantly 
dignified  above  every  other,  and  Mingo  was  so  elated 
at  his  honor,  that  he  kept  up  an  incessant  hallooing  at 
the  quiet  oxen  to  display  his  skill  and  the  speed  of  the 
unheeding  beasts.  After  much  ado,  the  woods  were 
reached.  Constance  bounded  out  and  was  soon  plung 
ing  her  hands  among  the  fallen  leaves,  exclaiming  now 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  25 

and  then  at  sight  of  a  maple  or  sumach  leaf,  gay  and 
fresh  yet. 

"  Woa !  ah  !  whoo  !  "  rang  through  the  woods. 
The  unearthly  sound  sent  her  scrambling  and  out  of 
breath  toward  Mingo. 

"  The  Indians !  "  she  gasped. 

"  Woa !  ah  !  whoo ! "  came  again  the  shout,  wound 
up  by  a  prolonged  screech.  Mingo  was  convulsed 
with  laughter,  shaking  his  head  all  the  time  and  beg 
ging  pardon  over  and  over  when  he  could  speak. 

"Dem's  Dutch  women  drivin'  cows.  You  see  'em 
straight  through  dis  yer  strip  o'  wood.  Go  in  dat  path 
an'  you  see 'em,"  said  he,  pointing  to  a  small,  winding 
path  at  a  short  distance. 

She  followed  it,  half  afraid  to  venture,  yet  longing 
to  see  from  what  woman's  lips  such  a  sound  could 
come.  She  soon  reached  a  small  clearing  where  stood 
a  house,  with  peaked,  thatched  roof,  and  walls  blocked 
in  blue  and  yellow.  In  front  were  two  cows  yoked 
to  a  plough.  A  dark-faced  woman,  in  short-gown  and 
striped  petticoat,  guided  it,  shouting  her  yisht !  yisht ! 
woa  !  in  a  high  key  each  time  she  reached  the  end  of 
a  furrow.  Constance  sat  upon  a  fallen  tree  to  look 
and  to  listen  to  the  wild  sounds.  Then  she  bethought 
herself  of  a  pencil  and  paper  in  her  pocket.  Using 
the  inside  of  a  smooth  piece  of  bark  for  a  portfolio,  she 
quickly  produced  a  sketchy  little  picture  of  the 
thatched  cottage  and  the  gipsey-faced  woman,  with 
her  cows  and  plough.  She  was  too  absorbed  to  hear 
the  soft  steps  behind  her  or  to  know  that  a  pair  of  eyes 
were  looking  intently  over  her  shoulder  at  the  picture. 


26  CONSTANCE   AYLMKR. 

A  low  ejaculation  close  to  her  ear  made  her  spring  to 
her  feet  with  fright.  A  harmless  Indian  girl  stood 
before  her.  Constance's  eyes  dilated  with  fear,  then 
grew  calm  as  they  rested  upon  the  beautiful,  dark 
face.  She  scanned  the  mantle  of  fine  feather  work, 
the  skirt  bordered  with  porcupine  quills  and  the  deer 
skin  moccasins.  The  two  remained  looking  at  each 
other,  Constance  with  half-parted  lips  and  brilliant 
eyes — the  Indian  girl  with  folded  arms  and  quiet 
aspect.  At  length,  the  girl  pointed  from  the  Dutch 
woman  to  the  sketch,  nodded  her  head  and  gave  a 
soft,  low  laugh. 

"  Come  to  Moody  Hall,"  said  Constance,  "  and  I 
will  picture  you."  The  wild  beauty  shook  her  head. 
She  could  not  understand.  Constance  pointed  to  the 
path,  to  herself,  and  repeated,  "  Moody."  The  un 
moved  face  nodded  assent.  Now  she  wished  to  know 
the  name  of  this  forest  belle.  She  gently  stroked 
herself,  repeating  her  own  name,  then  laid  her  hand 
timidly  upon  the  stranger  waiting  for  her  to  speak. 

"  Omanee,"  was  the  reply  to  the  silent  question. 

"  Omanee !  Omanee  !  "  said  Constance  over  and 
over,  and  Omanee  gave  another  soft,  low  laugh,  at 
hearing  her  own  name  from  the  lips  of  the  white  girl. 
Then  they  parted,  and  it  was  time,  for  Mingo  was 
already  coming  in  alarm  at  the  prolonged  absence  of 
his  venturesome  charge.  Constance  gathered  in  her 
broad  hat  the  nuts  and  leaves  she  had  chosen,  and 
went  back  bareheaded  in  the  old  jogging  cart  to  the 
very  gateway.  As  she  entered  the  house,  Mr.  Mor- 
daunt  met  her. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  27 

"  I  must  believe  you  are  the  Spirit  of  the  Wind/ 
and  that  a  breeze  lias  whirled  you  in  with  the  autumn 
leaves,"  he  said.  She  was  quite  unconscious  of  the 
bright  glow,  the  animation,  the  graceful  abandon  of 
manner  which  awakened  his  admiration,  and  laugh 
ingly  replied, 

"  You  would  have  named  it  a  lazy  breeze  for  a 
spirit,  and  truly  Mistress  Primley  would  have  called 
it  an  unseemly  coach  for  a  lady,  but  it  was  a  delight 
ful  trundle  for  all  that.  Who,  think  you,  I  saw  in 
the  woods  ?  Oinanee.  Her  face  is  like  a  picture  at 
Atherton  Hall.  Her  eyes  are  full,  dark,  soft;  her 
hair  glossy  black ;  she  moves  like  a  queen.  You  have 
seen  her,  then  ? " 

"  I  have  seen  her,"  said  he  quietly.  "  She  is  the 
daughter  of  a  chief.  Her  beauty  can  in  no  wise  be 
denied,  but  it  has  not  the  unspeakable  charm  that  I 
have  seen  in  another  face — the  Archeress  of  the 
Island." 

"  I  have  never  heard  of  her,"  said  Constance,  in 
nocently  waiting  further  explanation. 

"  Ask  Sir  Henry.  He  can  tell  you  better  than  I," 
continued  Mr.  Mordaunt,  smiling.  Constance  turned 
away  wondering,  and  not  a  little  disappointed  that  he 
was  not  more  enthusiastic  in  regard  to  Omanee. 
Upon  reaching  her  room,  she  threw  herself  into  the 
deep  chair  by  the  window  to  rest,  but  remembering 
that  the  morning  was  nearly  spent,  hastened  to  renew 
her  toilet.  A  small  mirror  in  a  quaint,  beaded  frame 
gave  back  the  poor  reflection  of  herself. 

"  What  a  fright !    What  a  tousled  head !     What 


28  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

wonder  that  he  believed  me  a  piece  of  a  hurricane ! " 
she  exclaimed,  surveying  her  disordered  hair  frizzled 
and  tossed  over  her  neck. 

"And  my  shoe!"  cried  she,  looking  down  in  dis 
may  at  her  foot.  At  that  moment  Lady  Moody  came 
in,  surprised  to  find  her  ready  to  cry  with  shame  and 
vexation. 

"  What  troubles  thee,  Constance  ?  " 

"  Look  at  me,  Aunt  Deborah.  Mr.  Mordaunt  just 
told  me  he  thought  me  the  Spirit  of  the  "Wind.  Why 
should  he  not  smile  and  gaze  at  me  ?  Truly  he  had 
need  ;  see  my  slipper  ! " 

"  Where  did  thee  go  in  those  fine  shoes  ?  " 

"In  Mingo's  cart,  and  in  the  woods  to  see  the 
Dutch  woman,"  said  she,  still  perplexed  as  to  what 
Mr.  Mordaunt  must  think  of  her.  Her  aunt  could 
not  refrain  from  smiling. 

"  Thee  need  not  trouble  thy  head.  Thy  health 
is  of  more  account  than  dress,  and  Edward  Mordaunt 
is  too  sensible  to  think  less  of  thee  for  the  disorder 
of  a  morning's  ramble.  But  thee  had  not  better  walk 
in  slippers,  nor  so  far  without  thy  cousin." 

Her  mild  voice,  and  view  of  the  matter,  restored 
Constance's  composure.  She  brought  the  sketch, 
chatted  of  Omanee,  laughed  over  her  alarm,  and  while 
talking,  busied  herself  in  fastening  the  brightest  of 
the  autumn  leaves  above  the  little  mirror.  At  last, 
rearranging  her  dress,  she  sat  upon  a  footstool  at 
Lady  Moody's  feet  as  placid  and  as  smoothly  neat  as 
if  the  wind  had  never  kissed  her  cheek  or  tossed  her 
hair.  It  was  a  new  pleasure  to  her  aunt,  this  posses- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  29 

sion  of  a  daughter,  and  she  will  come  often  to  fill 
this  pleasant  seat  by  the  window,  while  conferring,  as 
mother  and  daughter  only  can,  upon  the  cares,  the 
pleasures,  duties,  and  sorrows  that  are  in  store  for  both. 

Constance  did  not  see  Mr.  Mordaunt  again  that 
day,  nor  for  several  days,  he  having  gone  to  Midwout. 
She  was  not  sorry,  for  she  still  felt  ashamed  of  the 
ragged  deshabille  in  which  he  had  seen  her.  A  few 
evenings  later,  some  allusion  to  Omanee  reminded 
her  of  what  she  intended  to  ask  Sir  Henry. 

"  Can  you  tell  me,"  said  she  at  the  first  oppor 
tunity,  "  who  is  the  Archeress  of  the  Island  ?  " 

"  Archeress  ?  No,"  he  slowly  replied,  "  I  remem 
ber  none  such."  He  cast  an  inquiring  glance  toward 
his  mother,  but  she  was  equally  at  loss.  Constance 
then  added, 

"  She  is  lovelier  than  Omanee,  Mr.  Mordaunt  said. 
He  bade  me  ask  you."  Sir  Henry's  face  suddenly 
gleamed  with  suppressed  merriment. 

"  It  is  your  ladyship  !  "  laughed  he  outright. 

"Is  it  I?"  exclaimed  Constance,  amazed.  "I  do 
not  understand."  The  color  was  fast  creeping  to  her 
very  brow. 

"  I  told  him,  before  he  had  seen  you,  there  was  not 
a  net-maker  could  tie  a  stronger  mesh,  nor  yet  an 
archer  on  Long  Island  who  could  send  an  arrow  surer 
to  the  mark.  He  took  my  word,  and  thought  to  be 
hold  an  Amazon.  He  owns  the  skill  of  the  Archeress, 
then  ! "  Here  he  laughed  so  immoderately  again, 
that  his  mother  could  not  refrain  from  laughing  also. 
But  seeing  Constance's  increased  confusion,  she  said, 


30  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

"Thee  need  not  let  his  boyish  roguery  disturb 
thee.  One  would  hardly  think  thirty-five  years  had 
gone  over  thy  head,  my  son.  "When  will  thee  cease 
to  be  a  boy  ?  " 

"  Never,  I  hope,  mother !  "  Lady  Moody  gently 
diverted  the  subject ;  turning  to  Constance,  she  said, 

"  Omanee  makes  baskets  of  crab-shells  and  acorn- 
cups,  more  ingeniously  fashioned  than  any  other 
Indian  work.  It  is  long  since  she  came  to  see  me." 

"Perhaps  she  will  come.  I  tried  to  persuade 
her.  She  may  fancy  seeing  her  own  picture,  which 
I  promised." 

"  A  bauble  or  a  gay  ribbon  would  draw  her 
sooner,"  suggested  Sir  Henry. 

"  She  must  weave  a  basket  for  me.  If  I  were  to 
make  a  pattern,  think  you  she  could  imitate  the 
form  ? " 

"  Thee  can  try."  Constance  immediately  busied 
herself  with  cutting,  weaving,  and  twisting  paper  into 
unique  shapes,  while  Sir  Hemy  amused  himself  over 
a  volume  lately  added  to  his  library. 

Mr.  Mordaunt  returned  from  Midwout  the  next 
noon.  Constance  was  on  the  piazza,  balanced  on  one 
of  the  prongs  of  a  column,  and  striving  to  reach  one 
of  the  few  clusters  of  scarlet  leaves  that  remained  on 
the  vines. 

"  Let  me  serve  you,"  said  he,  approaching.  She 
descended  quickly  with  a  smile  and  welcome,  and  in 
another  moment  he  had  obtained  the  tendril,  and 
offered  it  to  her. 

"  Thank  you,"  said  she,  "  I  have  been  watching  it 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEU.  31 

wishfully.  I  wanted  to  wreathe  it  in  my  hair/'  and 
she  immediately  placed  it  there. 

"  Not  rightly  adjusted,"  Mr.  Mordaunt  said.  "  The 
larger  leaf  should  hold  captive  that  stray  curl ;  the 
smaller  ones  should  stoop  to  your  shoulder.  Thus, 
and  thus."  He  turned  the  leaves  this  way  and  that, 
tangling  his  lingers  among  the  soft  curls,  touching  by 
accident  the  smooth  cheek. 

"  You  need  not  bestow  so  much  labor  upon  it. 
It  is  twice  well  done,  I  am  sure,"  remonstrated  Con 
stance,  turning  away  to  hide  her  heightened  color. 
It  was  worth  ten  journeys  from  Midwout  to  this  nice 
critic  to  perform  such  sweet  service.  But  at  that 
moment  the  sound  of  horses  galloping  along  the  road 
caused  both  to  look  toward  the  open  gateway,  for  the 
road  was  hidden  by  the  high  palisades.  Immediately 
two  horsemen  stopped  at  the  gate,  and  alighted.  Mr. 
Mordaunt  went  to  meet  them. 

"  That  is  Lord  Percy  !  "  said  Constance,  entering 
the  house  quickly,  flying  along  the  hall,  up  the  stair 
case,  and  to  the  refuge  of  her  room.  There  she  heard 
the  bustle  of  arrival,  the  noise  of  feet  and  voices. 
She  threw  open  her  window,  sat  down  by  it  and 
looked  out  upon  the  unruffled  bay  in  the  distance. 

"  I  wish  I  could  hide  !  "  she  whispered  to  herself. 
"  They  could  not  find  me  in  the  wardrobe  !  But  Mr. 
Mordaunt  knows  I  am  here.  It  would  trouble  dear 
Aunt  Deborah,  too."  Then  she  sighed,  and  still  sat 
looking  out  upon  the  quiet  scene. 

In  the  meantime,  Lord  Percy  and  Baltazzar,  the 
Director's  son,  who  accompanied  him,  had  entered 


32  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

and  been  welcomed  by  Lady  Moody.  She  was  not 
agreeably  impressed  by  the  stranger;  perhaps  the 
firmly  set  mouth,  the  restless  grey  eyes  and  powerful 
form,  or  the  extravagance  of  his  manner,  and  exces 
sive  compliments,  more  courtier-like  than  true,  did 
not  please  her.  A  mass  of  curls  fell  upon  his  shoul 
ders.  His  doublet  was  of  velvet,  the  sleeves  slashed 
with  buff  satin  ;  his  hose  were  ornamented  with  buff 
ribbons,  and  buff  garters  buckled  with  jewels.  These 
were  just  visible  above  the  wide-topped  Spanish 
boots. 

Lady  Moody  sent  for  Constance.  As  soon  as  she 
appeared,  Lord  Percy  overwhelmed  her  with  so  many 
compliments,  that  she  was  at  loss  for  a  reply,  and, 
covered  with  confusion,  was  retreating  to  a  seat,  when 
Sir  Henry  reminded  her  of  the  presence  of  another 
guest,  by  presenting  his  friend  Baltazzar.  As  she 
raised  her  eyes,  a  round,  flushed  face,  with  a  pair  of 
dancing  eyes  and  a  plump  mouth  sporting  the  kind 
est  of  smiles,  all  set  upon  a  figure  as  broad  as  it  was 
high,  was  before  her,  claiming  to  be  the  veritable 
Baltazzar.  She  thought  of  the  Holland  cheese  ;  her 
face  broke  into  a  voiceless  laugh,  merrily  reflected 
back  in  that  of  her  new  friend.  It  was  an  honest 
face,  that  won  her  good-will  at  once.  His  lazy  mod 
eration,  too,  put  her  entirely  at  ease. 

"  How  is  my  good  chaperone,  Mistress  Primley  ? " 
she  asked. 

"  Beaming  as  a  sun -flower.  But  she  has  great  fear 
of  the  savages,  and  niy  brother  takes  wicked  delight 
in  tormenting  her.  "We  had  a  pleasure  voyage  to  the 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEB.  33 

Kaatskills,  in  which  she  joined,  but  it  was  a  sorry 
pleasure  to  her.1' 

"  What  are  the  Kaatskjlls  like  ? "  queried  Constance. 

"  Hills,  with  their  heads  in  the  clouds.  But  Mr. 
Mordaunt  must  tell  you.  He  is  a  poet.  I  am  only  the 
keeper  of  my  father's  bowery,  and  know  better  how  to 
describe  the  fat  kine  and  the  best  meadows  than  misty 
hill-tops  that  I  can  never  climb.  But  you  should 
have  seen  the  woods  along  the  shore.  Such  colors 
never  go  into  the  loom.  There  is  nothing  like  our 
autumn  foliage,  in  Holland." 

"  Is  the  Hudson  as  large  as  the  Thames  ? >J 

"  Yes,  "  replied  Baltazzar,  laughing  and  shaking 
gently.  "  The  Thames  is  only  a  brook  beside  it." 

"  One  needs  to  remember  you  live  by  the  Hudson, 
and  not  by  the  Thames,"  suggested  Lord  Percy,  join 
ing  them. 

"  True  ;  I  should  not  forget  that  1  am  boasting  to 
English  friends  ;  "  saying  this,  he  rolled  his  jolly  self 
toward  Lady  Moody.  The  genial  look  vanished  out 
of  Constance's  face  as  Lord  Percy  seated  himself  be 
side  her. 

u  You  look  serious  when  I  approach  you.  Why 
do  you  shrink  like  a  sensitive  plant  when  I  turn  my 
eyes  upon  you  ?  .  You  have  not  forgotten  what  I  told 
you  d  uring  the  voyage  ?  Ma  belle,  I  promised  you  I 
should  persevere." 

"  There  is  no  need,  my  lord." 

"  I  have  been  impatient  for  this  meeting,"  he  re 
turned  without  regarding  her  words,  "  and  will  you 
mar  its  happiness  by  withholding  smiles  so  easy  to  be- 

o* 


34  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

stow  ? "  Constance's  eyes  were  fastened  upon  a  cluster 
of  flowers  embroidered  upon  her  dress.  She  was 
silent. 

"  You  veil  your  eyes  as  well  as  your  heart,"  he  con 
tinued  in  a  low,  tenderly  modulated  tone,  so  that 
none  but  she  could  hear.  "I  am  yearning  to  read 
them  both.  I  fear  that  you  wilfully  hide  them."  She 
looked  up  with  a  pleased,  twinkling  glance. 

"  Your  lordship  is  so  good  an  interpreter  that  it 
is  needless  to  make  a  task  of  so  easy  reading."  Her 
heart  thumped  at  her  own  boldness,  but  she  did  not 
know  how  to  soften  the  truth.  Thus  agitated,  she 
caught  the  half-troubled,  half-scornful  look  of  Mr. 
Mordaunt,  who  had  just  noted  the  earnest  devotion 
of  one  and  the  blushes  and  bright  glance  of  the  other. 
He  turned  away  indignant  that  one  so  pure  should 
favor  the  address  of  a  flippant  courtier.  Constance 
saw  and  felt  the  reproach.  She  was  vexed  and  pain 
ed.  Lord  Percy  saw  her  cheeks  crimson.  His  van 
ity  was  flattered. 

"  You  are  jesting,"  said  he,  "  but  your  very  jests 
are  arrows  that  transfix  me.  Grant  me  a  leaf  of  the 
vine  twined  in  your  hair,  that  the  wound  may  be 
healed.  They  say  some  wild  leaves  have  power  to 
heal." 

"You  can  have  all  you  wish  from  the  portico," 
she  replied  coldly. 

"  But  you  will  not  refuse  the  one  just  ready  to  fall. 
It  twirls  upon  the  stem." 

"  Not  one;  even  though  all  were  ready  to 
fall !  "  she  repeated,  with  an  emphasis  he  had  not  ex- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  35 

pected.  He  concealed  his  chagrin,  and  seeing  Sir 
Henry  approach,  arose. 

"Your  discussion  is  very  earnest.  What  is  the 
result  ? "  asked  Sir  Henry. 

"  We  were  differing  as  to  the  healing  virtue  of  cer 
tain  leaves.  Your  cousin  grants  them  only  power  to 
irritate."  He  spoke  carelessly,  and  changed  the 
subject.  In  a  few  moments  dinner  was  announced. 
Lord  Percy  was  appointed  to  a  seat  next  Constance. 
Mr.  Mordaunt  filled  his  usual  seat  opposite. 

"  I  have  the  happiness  to  hold  you  in  durance  an 
hour  at  least,"  whispered  Lord  Percy. 

"  I  am  afraid  it  will  prove  much  like  holding  a 
thistle,"  was  the  reply. 

"The  wounds  even  are  sweet,"  he  retorted.  Thus 
he  took  delight  in  tormenting  her  till  sometimes  the 
tears  stood  in  her  eyes.  She  felt  that  Lord  Percy  had 
the  power  of  acting  the  accepted  lover,  whatever 
might  be  the  undercurrent  of  words,  and  was  troubled 
at  the  averted  eyes  and  haughty  looks  of  Mr.  Mor 
daunt.  How  long  the  ceremonies  of  dinner  seemed! 
She  was  glad  to  be  released  at  last. 

Sir  Henry  went  with  his  guests  after  dinner  to 
inspect  the  town  and  surrounding  lands.  Constance 
remained  alone,  and  amused  herself  before  her  em 
broidery  frame  ;  but  her  fingers  tangled  the  floss,  and 
her  eyes  were  not  quick  to  accord  the  colors.  It  was 
useless  to  pursue  the  delicate  work  in  this  mood.  She 
leaned  back  idly  in  her  chair.  Mr.  Mordaunt  came 
in  to  look  for  papers.  He  bowed,  as  if  to  excuse  his 
intrusion,  and,  without  a  word,  obtained  what  he 


36  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

sought  arid  went  away,  not  to  return  till  the  next 
day. 

"  "What  is  it  to  him  if  I  have  a  suitor  that  does 
not  please  him  ?  He  is  not  my  guardian.  What 
right  has  he  to  watch  me  daily — to  scan  my  attire,  till 
I  am  always  in  fear  lest  it  does  not  please  him  ?  Why 
need  he  reprove  my  conduct  when  he  sees  only,  and 
does  not  hear?  "  said  Constance  indignantly  to  herself. 
Then  she  added  more  softly,  "  What  is  it  to  me  if 
he  is  offended  ?  Why  should  I  care  if  he  thinks  even 
that  I  love  this  hateful  man  ?  But  I  do  care !  "  She 
looked  quietly  at  nothing,  and  lost  herself  in  a  reverie 
half  troubled,  half  pleasant. 

When  the  guests  returned,  Constance  took  care  to 
place  herself  between  Baltaz/ar  and  Lady  Moody. 
She  soon  found  interest  in  their  spirited  conversation 
as  to  the  character  of  the  Indians  and  the  best  mode 
of  preventing  hostilities.  Baltazzar  would  employ 
military  force.  Lady  Moody  contended  for  justice, 
and  the  gospel  of  peace.  Lord  Percy  cunningly  drew 
forth  the  savage  characteristics  of  the  natives,  and  the 
horrors  of  their  warfare.  When  the  evening  was 
spent,  and  they  arose  to  separate,  he  drew  near  Con 
stance  and  said  in  a  low  tone, 

"  You  see  what  a  home  you  have  chosen.  Would 
that  I  could  entice  you  back  to  England.  I  am  in 
danger  of  lingering  here  always  to  protect  you." 

"  I  have  the  best  of  protectors  already,"  she  re 
turned  coldly.  "  I  am  content  to  stay  with  Aunt 
Deborah,  in  any  case." 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  37 


IV. 

THE  guests  left  the  next  day,  with  the  intention 
of  returning  before  the  end  of  the  week,  to  join  Sir 
Henry  in  a  hunt.  lyano,  a  famous  Indian  hunter, 
was  to  serve  as  guide.  This  prospect  of  a  speedy  re 
turn  put  Lord  Percy  in  excellent  spirits  at  parting. 
He  had  gone  away  as  gayly  as  an  accepted  lover,  as 
suring  Constance  of  his  intention  to  persevere. 

The  adieus  had  hardly  been  said  when  a  Fiscal  ar 
rived,  to  inform  Lady  Moody  that  the  village  was  in 
commotion  at  the  news  just  received  of  the  refusal  of 
Governor  Stuyvesant  to  ratify  the  election  of  the 
town  magistrates.  These  had  already  served  one 
term,  and  had  been  almost  unanimously  rechosen  by 
their  townsmen.  This  interference  in  their  choice 
was  a  violation  of  their  charter  which  could  not 
quietly  be  permitted.  The  reason  of  it  no  one  knew. 
One  declared  it  was  a  whim,  another  that  the  Direc 
tor's  last  cargo  of  Rhenish  wine  was  sour.  A  little 
Dutchman  wagged  his  head  and  said  it  was  his  High 
Mightiness's  demon,  and  nobody  need  try  to  better 
the  matter. 

A  town  meeting  was  at  last  called,  when  one  John 
Tilton  was  appointed  to  bear  a  remonstrance  to  the 
Governor.  Sir  Henry  gravely  rose  in  the  assembly, 
and  asked  if  John  Tilton  would  be  willing  to  remove 
his  hat  in  the  presence  of  the  Director. 

"  That  I  will  not ! "  was  the  sturdy  reply. 


38  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

"  Then,  my  friends,  the  Fiscal  is  a  titter  messenger, 
if  you  would  have  our  case  obtain  a  hearing." 

For  this  reason  the  Fiscal  was  chosen  and  sent. 
He  returned  the  second  day  with  a  firmer  answer  than 
before,  and  also  a  plump  refusal  from  the  Director  to 
give  any  reason.  To  submit  quietly  to  this  tyranny 
was  impossible.  But  what  was  to  be  done  next  ?  It 
would  be  a  great  gain  to  know  the  Governor's  rea 
sons,  and  who  could  discover  them  better  than  Lady 
Moody  ?  At  least  her  judgment  and  advice  might 
show  them  a  peaceful  way  out  of  trouble  without  sac 
rificing  the  freedom  of  their  charter.  They  appealed 
to  her,  and  left  the  matter  for  her  to  manage  as  gra 
ciously  as  she  chose.  She  immediately  sent  despatch 
es  of  her  own  to  the  touchy  Director. 

In  the  meantime,  Mr.  Mordaunt  had  returned 
from  Midwout.  Although  he  had  been  absent  but 
two  days,  he  must  have  thought  it  very  long,  for  when 
he  met  Constance  he  held  her  hand  in  a  warm,  grasp 
till  she  shyly  drew  it  away.  The  pleased  glow  in  her 
face  when  he  first  came  in,  charmed  away  all  the  re 
sentment  he  had  felt  since  the  coming  of  Lord  Percy. 
He  forgot  this,  he  forgot  everything  in  her  presence. 
Only  yesterday  he  had  promised  himself  to  think  less 
of  this  simple  girl.  She  was  not  the  brilliant  beauty 
upon  whom  he  should  bestow  the  honor  of  his  ancient 
name ;  he  wondered  that  he  could  have  been  so 
moved  at  her  possible  preference  for  another.  But 
to-day  he  found  himself  jealously  watching  every 
glance  and  expression  with  a  keen  interest,  to  know 
if  his  absence  had  been  felt,  and  if  his  return  gave 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  39 

her  pleasure.  One  moment  he  was  thrilled  with  her 
happy  look,  the  next  tormented  with  doubts  when  she 
turned  from  his  tender  glance,  or  instinctively  drew 
away  from  too  near  approach.  While  making  himself 
thus  happy  the  days  flew  uncounted. 

The  messenger  sent  by  Lady  Moody  returned,  in 
company  with  Lord  Percy  and  Baltazzar,  the  latter 
bearing  the  reply  of  the  Governor  that  he  would 
confer  with  her  at  the  Hall  the  next  week,  Tuesday. 
There  was  now  hope  of  a  peaceable  result.  Lady 
Moody  and  Baltazzar  were  in  close  conference  most  of 
the  evening,  leaving  Lord  Percy  altogether  to  the  en 
tertainment  he  most  desired.  Constance  busied  her 
self  winding  silk  from  a  reel,  and  gave  cold  attention 
to  the  flatteries  and  adroit  words  oifered  her.  Yet 
he  would  not  be  repulsed.  He  admired  her  the  more 
for  her  scornful  retorts,  and  her  coldness  seemed  only 
to  incite  him  to  new  and  more  persevering  efforts  to 
win  her  favor.  At  last,  seeing  how  little  he  was  able 
to  awaken  her  vanity,  he  sat  thoughtful  and  silent. 
Then,  in  a  quiet  tone,  he  asked  her  if  she  knew  of 
Castle  Cairne  and  its  wild  scenery.  That  was  his  an 
cestral  home.  He  was  reminded  of  it  by  her  indus 
try.  When  he  was  a  mere  boy,  his  mother  used  to 
gather  the  maidens  from  all  the  country  about  and 
teach  them  how  to  embroider  tapestry  hangings  with 
strange  legends.  Then  he  described  the  castle,  the 
forest  behind  it,  the  great  sea  that  stretched  away  be 
fore  it,  the  high  black  cliffs,  the  angry  roar  of  the  surf 
at  their  foot,  and  the  booming  of  the  distant  break 
ers.  Constance,  little  by  little,  stopped  her  reel,  and 


40  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

presently  the  ball  of  silk  lay  idle  in  her  fingers.  Her 
face  was  animated,  and  her  eyes  turned  upon  him 
with  interest.  Seeing  this,  he  cunningly  continued 
to  fill  out  the  sketch,  telling  her  romances  of  the  cas 
tle,  his  wild  adventures  in  the  forest,  and  his  daring 
feats  upon  the  sea.  Then  of  a  wreck  that  happened 
oif  the  coast  while  he  was  once  alone  at  the  castle ; 
of  the  wreckers'  refusal  to  go  to  the  ship  in  the  awful 
storm ;  of  his  own  reckless  bravery  in  reaching  it ; 
the  saving  one  by  one  of  eight  suffering  beings,  and 
his  own  narrow  escape  from  death  when  returning  to 
the  shore.  So  skilful  was  the  painting  of  his  own 
action  that  Constance  looked  upon  him  in  astonish- 
"ment,  wondering  if  this  was  the  same  Lord  Percy 
who  had  been  speaking  to  her  hitherto.  She  had  lis 
tened  an  hour,  forgetful  of  everything  but  Castle 
Cairne,  its  forest  and  sea,  noting  only  that  at  the  be 
ginning  Mr.  Mordaunt  left  the  room  with  the  same 
haughty  disdain  as  once  before.  She  unconsciously 
looked  toward  the  door  whenever  it  opened,  but  he 
did  not  return. 

The  next  morning  the  gentlemen  were  gone  be 
fore  sunrise,  with  Tobee  for  an  attendant.  Lady 
Moody's  time  was  much  taken  up  by  the  village  mag 
istrates  and  their  friends,  each  of  whom  had  advice 
to  offer  in  regard  to  the  Governor's  visit.  Constance 
was  amused  to  notice  how  invariably  each  interview 
ended  with  leaving  the  whole  matter  to  the  judgment 
of  her  aunt.  The  whole  village  was  talking  of  the 
Director's  reception  as  the  great  event  of  the  quiet 
year.  Only  Lady  Moody  herself  was  calm  and  pa- 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  41 

tient,  although  upon  her  exertions  and  tact  rested  the 
welfare  and  peace  of  the  colony. 

"Aunt  Deborah,  yon  have  not  once  this  day  knit 
yonr  brows.  How  do  you  carry  your  cares  with  so 
peaceful  a  face?"  asked  Constance,  tired  herself  at 
the  end  of  the  day  of  troubles. 

"I  am  not  disturbed  within.  Why  should  I 
frown,  therefore  ?  I  am  weary,  but  not  troubled,  since 
I  know  whence  to  get  the  wisdom  needed  in  this  mat 
ter.  God  is  able  to  melt  Petrtis  Stuyvesant's  heart 
toward  us." 

"  And  if  He  should  harden  it?  "  questioned  Con 
stance,  in  doubt. 

"  We  should  be  afflicted,  yet  continue  to  possess 
the  peace  that  passeth  all  understanding.  It  is  war 
with  God  that  gives  unrest  to  the  soul." 

"  But,  Aunt  Deborah,  I  have  seen  people  at  peace 
with  God,  yet  who  fret  grievously  at  their  cares." 

"  If  the  cares  are  selfish,  as  through  a  desire  to 
gain  riches,  thee  can  see  the  treaty  with  God  is  broken, 
and  the  unrest  comes.  But  if  the  cares  come  through 
a  desire  to  work  with  and  for  the  good  Lord,  there  is 
peace  within,  and  the  soul  does  not  chafe  and  fret 
under  the  burden." 

"  Ah,  Aunt  Deborah,  if  I  can  but  grow  like  you, 
rather  than  like  Dame  Zwaller,  how  pleasant  it  will 
be  when  I  am  old !  " 

"  Thee  will  be  in  danger  of  copying  many  faults," 
she  replied,  smiling.  "  Thee  had  better  take  a  perfect 
model.  I  know  of  one  only — the  serene  Saviour." 
Lady  Moody  leaned  her  head  upon  her  hand,  and  her 


42  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

arm  upon'  the  chair,  as  if  weary.  Looking  toward 
the  window,  she  saw  a  movement  toward  the  gate. 

"  Look,  Constance ;  are  not  those  our  friends  re 
turned  ?  Thee  can  meet  them  at  the  door." 

Constance  saw  them  from  the  window,  but  she 
hesitated,  lest  her  welcome  should  be  too  pleasing  to 
the  conceit  of  Lord  Percy.  She  went,  however.  As 
she  opened  the  door,  Rose,  the  dairy-maid,  hastening 
along  the  path,  tripped  and  fell  upon  the  stones. 
Lord  Percy  laughed  coarsely,  and  called  her  an  awk 
ward  wench.  Baltazzar  instantly  stooped,  helped  her 
to  rise,  and  good-naturedly  asked  if  she  was  hurt. 

"  No,  massa,  thank  you,"  said  Rose,  grinning  with 
shame,  and  hiding  herself  quickly  in  the  garden  path 
that  led  around  the  house.  This  glimpse  of  Lord 
Percy's  coarse  nature  confirmed  Constance's  strong 
aversion.  Her  frozen  courtesy  when  he  came  in  was 
the  more  marked  when  he  saw  it  melt  into  a  gener 
ous  smile  for  Baltazzar.  Fire  was  in  his  eyes,  but  he 
hid  it  under  his  eyelids,  and  set  his  will  the  more  firmly 
to  attain  his  object.  He  played  his  old  part,  of  the 
accepted  lover,  all  that  evening,  enjoy  ing  the  scornful 
looks  of  Mr.  Mordaunt,  and  seeking  to  interpret  the 
troubled  glances  which  Constance  returned. 

The  next  morning,  when  the  guests  took  leave, 
Lord  Percy  spoke  some  words  to  Mr.  Mordaunt, 
which  were  received  with  the  frigid  politeness  of  a 
sworn  enemy.  In  bidding  Constance  adieu,  he 
grasped  her  hand  too  quickly  for  her  to  resist,  and 
raised  it  to  his  lips  with  the  action  of  an  adorer.  Mr. 
Mordaunt  saw  it,  and  disappeared.  Later  in  the 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEB.    .  43 

morning,  he  returned  from  the  village  and  announced 
his  intention  to  be  absent  several  weeks.  He  was 
going  up  the  Hudson.  Urgent  business  was  the  ex 
cuse  to  Lady  Moody.  After  writing  a  note  to  Sir 
Henry,  who  was  not  in,  he  turned  to  Constance,  sit 
ting  with  her  lingers  between  the  leaves  of  a  book, 
looking  intently  at  nothing. 

"  1  must  bid  you  adieu,"  said  he,  taking  her  prof 
fered  hand.  Their  eyes  met  for  a  moment.  Con 
stance's  voice  trembled  when  she  spoke. 

"  I  am  sorry  you  are  going.  We  shall  miss  you." 
Mordaunt  wished  she  had  said,  "  I  shall  miss  you." 
He  gazed  earnestly  at  her  as  if  he  would  say  some 
thing,  yet  feared  to  offend,  then  turned  away  to  say 
farewell  to  Lady  Moody  who  came  in. 

"  Thee  will  be  Very  welcome  here  at  thy  return, 
as  thee  well  knows,  Edward.  May  God  give  thee 
safety  and  good  speed." 

Now  he  was  gone.  Constance  heard  his  footsteps 
along  the  walk,  and  afterward  the  clattering  of  the 
horse's  hoofs  as  he  galloped  away.  Then  it  was  still. 
How  still  and  vacant  the  house  seemed  !  How  heavy 
her  heart !  She  longed  to  cry,  but  refused  the  tears. 

"  It  is  only  because  Lord  Percy  vexed  me  so  sorely 
this  morning,"  said  she,  striving  to  busy  her  fingers 
with  her  needle.  But  the  work  did  not  interest  her. 
She  sewed  it  wrong  side  out,  and  twisted  the  seams 
hopelessly.  Throwing  it  down,  she  went  to  the  book 
shelves  and  cast  her  eye  along  the  rows  of  books. 
There  was  "  A  little  Eye-Salve  for  the  Kingdom  and 
Army,"  "The  Dippers  Dipped,  or  the  Anabaptists 


44  CONSTANCK    AYLMER. 

ducked  and  plunged  over  head  and  ears  at  a  disputa 
tion  at  Southwark,"  "  Yoyage  of  Ferdinant  Mendoz,". 
"  Sylva  Sylvarura,"  and  many  others  of  like  titles. 
She  passed  these,  and  fixed  at  last  upon  Spencer's 
"  Fairie  Queen,"  which  had  lately  been  added  to  the 
precious  store.  She  was  lost  in  this  till  Sir  Henry 
came  in  and  read  the  note  left  by  Mordaunt. 

"How  now,  cousin  mine?  You  have  put  all 
your  lovers  to  flight." 

"  What  have  I  done  ?  "  she  asked  wonderingly. 

"  Bewitched  them — for  which  I  hold  you  account 
able.  Mordaunt  supposes  Lord  Percy  is  to  take  you 
to  England  at  the  beginning  of  the  New  Year,  and 
so  he  makes  business  the  excuse  whereby  to  escape 
the  misery  of  seeing  you  his  lordship's  bride." 

"  Does  he  say  that  ?  "  said  Constance,  blushing 
deeply,  though  believing  not  a  word. 

"  He  means  that." 

"  I  believe  nothing  you  tell  me,"  she  replied,  bend 
ing  low  over  her  book  to  hide  her  face. 

"  Read,  you  wicked  unbeliever  !  You  should  not 
have  left  him  to  convey  such  news  to  me."  Con 
stance  read  the  note  thrown  in  her  lap. 

"  It  is  all  about  one  Sudbury's  law  matters.  What 
know  I  of  that  K  "  she  said  laughingly,  yet  reading  for 
the  sake  of  a  half-conscious  pleasure  in  the  writing. 
"  Oh  !  what  is  this  ? "  she  exclaimed,  glancing  further 
at  the  postscript :  "  Lord  Percy  informed  me  this 
morning  of  his  expectation  to  bear  with  him  to  Eng 
land,  at  the  beginning  of  the  JSTew  Year,  your  fair 
cousin.  I  will  detain  my  congratulations  till  a  more 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  45 

fitting  time."  Constance  sat  speechless,  crimsoning  to 
her  very  temples. 

"  It  is  true  then  ? "  said  Sir  Henry,  unbelieving  in 
his  turn. 

"  J^o !  no !  no !  "  cried  Constance.  "  Lord  Percy 
is  base  to  say  it."  Rising  quickly,  she  fled  from  the 
room  to  hide  her  emotion  in  her  own  little  chamber. 
Presently  there  came  a  light  step,  and  a  gentle  tap  at 
the  door.  Lady  Moody  entered. 

;t  Thy  friends  have  plagued  thee  to-day,  my  daugh 
ter.  Can  thee  tell  me  which  disturbs  thee  most  ? "  said 
she,  seating  herself  in  the  deep  chair. 

Constance  burst  into  tears,  and  sat  down  upon  the 
footstool  at  her  feet.  She  soon  felt  the  soothing  in 
fluence  of  Lady  Moody's  hand  in  soft,  loving  strokes 
upon  her  head. 

Thus  encouraged,  she  confided  to  her  aunt  all  the 
annoyance  and  fear  she  had  felt  since  her  first  meet 
ing  with  Lord  Percy,  and  how  carefully  he  strove  to 
represent  her  falsely. 

"  He  has  stooped  even  to  a  base  falsehood.  How 
can  I  meet  him  again  with  the  respect  due  to  his 
degree?"  said  Constance,  looking  up. 

"  Thee  must  not  lower  thy  gentle  manners  because 
he  holds  his  honor  light.  Neither  would  I  have  thee 
otherwise  than  courteous  to  him  whom  Petrus  Stuy- 
vesant  recommends  to  our  good  entertainment.  But, 
Constance,  art  thou  quite  sure  this  nobleman,  in  his 
riches  and  high  estate,  has  no  charm  for  thee? " 

"  I  am  sure,  Aunt  Deborah.  Though  he  were  a 
prince,  even  the  cro wn-princc  of  England,  I  should 


46  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

fly  from  his  love."  Lady  Moody  looked  down  upon 
Constance's  earnest  face  with  tender,  motherly  in 
terest. 

"  Thou  hast  removed  a  load  from  my  heart,  dear 
child,"  said  she.  "  I  feared  greatly  lest  he  had 
already  won  thy  affection.  I  will  not  say  aught 
against  him, lest  I  do  him  wrong;  but  he  is  not  one  I 
should  choose  for  thee.  Thy  confidence  has  made  me 
very  happy." 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEK.  47 


Y. 

TUESDAY  was  a  holiday  in  the  village,  in  honor  of 
the  Governor's  visit.  The  Prince's  flag  floated  from 
the  staff  in  front  of  the  Town  House.  Children  hud 
dled  together  near  the  town-gate  to  see  the  Governor 
pass,  and  the  magistrates  went  out  to  meet  and  escort 
him  to  Lady  Moody's.  The  cavalcade  delighted  the 
eyes  of  the  lookers-on  when  it  came  at  last.  There 
was  the  body-guard  of  four  halberdiers ;  the  magis 
trates,  in  Puritan  grey ;  Nicasius  de  Sille,  the  Lord 
Councillor,  in  velvet  and  gold  lace ;  Lord  Percy, 
distinguishable  by  his  English  hat  and  plume  and 
riding-cloak  ;  and  conspicuous  among  them  all,  "  His 
High  Mightiness,  the  Lord  Director,"  as  he  was  fond 
of  hearing  himself  called.  His  vest  was  scarlet,  and 
his  breeches  yellow.  A  brave  sword  dangled  at  his 
side ;  and  even  his  wooden  leg,  strapped  with  silver 
bands,  had  a  brave  look.  With  due  awe  and  cere 
mony,  the  magistrates  conducted  him  to  the  Hall,  and 
left  him  with  profound  obeisance ;  for  which  attention 
he  regarded  himself  with  great  complacency. 

The  stately  drawing-room  was  open,  and  cheerful 
in  the  warm  light  of  a  crackling  fire  in  the  wide 
chimney-place.  The  confusion  of  arrival  was  over 
before  Constance  came  in.  She  advanced  with  no 
slight  heart-beating  to  meet  this  doughty  Governor, 
whom  she  so  much  dreaded,  yet  wished  to  see.  She 
was  not  quite  sure,  after  all  that  Sir  Henry  had  told 


48  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

her,  whether  he  would  suffer  her  head  to  remain  fast 
upon  her  shoulders  or  not.  If  he  happened  to  think 
the  curls,  or  the  simple  roll  at  the  back  of  her  head,  a 
reproach  to  the  ribbon-bedecked  braids  of  the  Amster 
dam  belles,  how  did  she  know  but  he  would  shave 
the  whole  off  at  one  sweep  of  his  valorous  sword  ? 
Doubless  the  awe  with  which  she  approached  him, 
pleased  him  ;  for  he  immediately  greeted  her  with  a 
kiss  on  either  cheek.  She  was  not  used  to  this  Dutch 
mode  of  salutation,  and  dared  not  raise  her  eyes  to 
behold  this  Gorgon,  who  was  as  likely  to  deal  a  blow 
as  a  kiss.  But  a  question  unexpectedly  kind  made 
her  look  suddenly  and  full  into  his  rubicund  face. 
She  did  not  soon  forget  it.  A  wide,  bald  forehead ; 
arched  brows,  now  raised  almost  to  a  point ;  small, 
penetrating  eyes,  and  a  prominent  curved  nose,  were 
features  too  marked  not  to  make  a  distinct  impression 
at  this  first  glance.  He  regarded  the  timid  girl 
before  him,  as  if  wondering  to  find  her  there,  and 
finished  his  inquiries  with  the  exclamation, 

"  By  my  troth,  you  would  make  a  fine  Christ-child 
next  Christmas.  I  will  tell  Dame  Zwaller  myself." 

De  Sille,  the  councillor,  explained  to  Constance  the 
honorable  office  proposed  for  her,  which  was  only  in 
gauzy  disguise  to  distribute  gifts  from  a  Christmas 
tree.  He  delighted  her  with  accounts  of  many  Ger 
man  customs  of  the  Holidays.  The  announcement 
of  dinner  broke  the  pleasant  chat,  but  it  was  resumed 
again  at  table  by  the  goodness  of  Lady  Moody,  who 
placed  the  fatherly  De  Sille  next  to  Constance,  keep 
ing  Lord  Percy  attentive  to  herself  and  the  Director. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  49 

The  discussion  of  the  rights  of  patentees,  and  some 
sharp  strokes  from  Sir  Henry  as  to  usurping  such 
rights,  would  have  waxed  too  -warm  for  civility,  had 
not  the  sumptuous  dinner  and  the  succeeding  meer 
schaums  soothed  all  irritability. 

Constance  withdrew  at  the  earliest  possible  moment, 
going  for  quiet's  sake  to  the  deserted  library.  She 
was  but  just  there,  when  the  door  opened  softly  and 
Omanee  glided  in  without  a  word  of  salute.  She 
brought,  as  a  gift,  a  curiously  wrought  basket  of  bass- 
wood  fibres,  interwoven  with  fine,  brilliant  feathers, 
and  elegantly  shaped. 

"  Oh,  how  beautiful  this  is ! "  exclaimed  Constance. 
"  I  am  glad  you  have  come."  Her  mute  visitor  stood 
unmoved,  her  arms  folded  in  her  mantle.  Constance 
talked  and  gestured  to  no  purpose.  Then  she  remem 
bered  her  promise,  found  pencil  and  paper  and  began 
rapidly  to  sketch  the  forest  beauty.  She  succeeded  in 
transferring  a  similarity,  if  not  a  likeness  of  the  beau 
tiful  face  and  stately  form,  the  picturesque  robe  and 
wampum-girdle,  the  plum  aged  mantle,  and  the  neck 
lace  of  white  shells  pierced  and  strung  upon  a  scarlet 
cord.  The  sight  of  it,  completed,  won  a  smile  from 
Oraanee. 

"  Good !  good  ! "  she  said.  Then  she  wished  to 
possess  the  magic  pencil.  Constance  allowed  her  to 
guide  it  over  the  paper.  Finding  that  in  her  own 
hand  it  produced  nothing  but  random  lines,  she  threw 
it  down,  and  passing  her  fingers  slowly  over  Con 
stance's  head  and  eyes,  indicated  that  the  power  was 
there.  She  touched  her  hair  and  smoothly  fair  features, 
3 


50  CONSTASTCE  AYLMER. 

tlie  shoulders  just  visible  beneath  a  fine  laced  hand 
kerchief,  and  the  round  white  arms  within  the  open 
sleeve,  with  the  mingled  fear  and  admiration  that  a 
little  child  might  feel  when  venturing  its  hand  upon 
the  marble  image  of  its  own  beauty.  Her  eyes  at  last 
fell  covetously  upon  a  small  gold  pin  that  fastened  the 
gossamer  kerchief.  Constance  perceived  it,  and,  im 
mediately*  unloosing  it,  gave  it  the  place  of  the  long 
sharp  thorn  which  fastened  Omanee's  robe.  At  this 
moment  Lady  Moody  entered  with  Lord  Percy. 
Smiling  a  welcome  to  the  Indian  girl,  she  passed  to 
Constance. 

"  I  desire  thee  to  divert  our  guest  while  he  remains. 
Our  business  wall  have  no  interest  for  him.  The  coun 
cillor  will  soon  depart  with  him  for  ~New  Utrecht." 
Saying  this,  she  returned  again  to  the  drawing-room. 
Nothing  could  have  been  more  pleasing  to  Lord 
Percy  than  this  tete-a-tete.  But  his  eyes  had  been 
instantly  attracted  to  Ornanee.  He  stood  silently 
gazing  at  her  while  Lady  Moody  remained,  with  such 
bold  admiration  that  she  sullenly  turned  her  back. 

"  "What  a  splendid  creature !  "  he  exclaimed  at  last. 

"  Tour  lordship  will  offend  her.  She  can  read 
your  countenance,  if  she  does  not  know  your  words," 
said  Constance. 

Omanee  cast  a  glance  at  the  gayly  costumed 
gallant,  and  turned  toward  the  door.  He  intercepted 
her.  She  looked  at  him  contemptuously,  and  then  at 
her  new  friend,  wbo  arose  to  expostulate." 

'"  You  forget  that  I  have  never  seen  a  Pocahontas. 
This  mantle,  these  ornaments,  are  novelties  in  costume. 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEU.  51 

This  wonderful  border!  "What  is  it?  "  he  queried,  lay 
ing  his  hand  upon  the  trimming  of  quills.  Omanee 
struck  it  from  his  touch,  and,  too  quick  for  him  to 
interfere  again,  glided  out  of  the  room. 

"  I  warned  you  of  offence.  Though  uncivilized, 
she  is  as  conscious  of  offered  rudeness  as  one  of  your 
own  country,"  was  Constance's  earnest  rebuke. 

"  Your  plain  speech  never  leaves  me  long  ignorant 
of  my  offences,"  he  returned,  seating  himself  near  her. 
"  "With  you  to  check  my  wild  impulses,  what  might  I 
not  become  ?  I  am  sorry  to  have  so  often  forfeited 
your  good  opinion  by  my  thoughtless  rudeness,  but 
you  would  not  judge  me  too  hardly  if  you  knew  how 
isolated  from  softening  influences  I  have  lived.  My 
mother  died  in  my  boyhood — my  father  a  few  years 
later.  An  only  sister  entered  a  convent.  I  have  since 
gone  like  a  thistle  seed,  blown  hither  and  thither  by 
chance.  I  return  to  Castle  Cairne  at  long  intervals, 
but  for  the  most  part  roam  restlessly  in  search  of  a 
happiness  that  I  never  find.  The  first  sight  of  your 
face  recalled  that  of  my  pure  sister,  lost  to  me  now. 
It  filled  me  too  with  a  sense  of  what  I  am  alone,  and 
what  I  might  be  in  a  home  brightened  by  such 
gracious  presence  as  yours."  He  paused  as  if  over 
come  by  early  recollections,  and  was  lost  in  sad 
thought.  Constance's  sympathy  was  aroused.  She 
remembered  her  own  losses.  She  reproached  herself 
for  her  harsh  judgment,  and  wondered  that  she  had 
not  before  discovered  so  tender  a  heart  under  his 
frivolous  exterior.  Lord  Percy  saw  that  her  eyes  were 
intently  fixed  upon  him. 


52  CONSTANCE   ATLMEE. 

"  You  know  the  desolateness  of  a  home  from 
which  all  have  gone,"  he  continued,  "but  ah!  you  do 
not  know  the  weariness  of  a  heart  that  can  claim  the 
love  of  none.  You  have  a  mother  in  Lady  Moody — 
a  brother  in  Sir  Henry.  But  to  whom  can  I  turn  in 
suffering  ?  Who  gladdens  at  the  sound  of  rny  voice  ? 
Not  one.  Even  you,  to  whom  my  whole  soul  has 
turned — even  you  have  deigned  me  only  cold  words 
and  reproaches,  when  I  have  yearned  for  the  sweet 
gentleness  you  hold  for  others." 

"  I  am  sorry,"  said  Constance,  overcome  by  the 
extreme  sadness  of  his  tone  and  manner.  "  Indeed, 
I  am  sorry  ever  to  have  pained  you.  I  did  not  know 


"  You  will  deal  gently  with  my  offences,  then. 
You  would  forgive  them  all,  for  the  sake  of  the  love  I 
bear  you,  if  you  could  but  know  the  half  of  it,"  he 
continued,  drawing  nearer.  "  Can  you  not  make  the 
rest  of  my  sad  life  a  joy  ?  Can  you  not  save  me  from 
evil  ? " 

"  /save  you  from  evil !  "  she  exclaimed,  astonished. 
"  I  could  not  do  so  great  a  tiling  as  that." 

"  Yes,  with  your  precious  love,  your  innocence, 
your  truth  :  it  would  lift  me  heavenward.  "Will  you 
not  love  me  ?  Speak,  Constance !  " 

She  was  bewildered.  Sympathy  and  pity  had 
awakened  feelings  she  could  not  understand.  Ought 
she  to  make  this  miserable  man  happy  ?  The  shadow 
of  another  rose  before  her.  Her  heart  beat  so  fast 
and  heavy  that  the  delicate  kerchief  rose  at  every 
throb.  She  was  silent.  But  when  he  stole  his  arm 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  53 

around  her,  she  turned  away  her  head  and  attempted 
to  leave  him. 

"  I  do  not,  I  cannot  love  you,  my  lord.  Do  not 
speak  of  it." 

He  would  not  release  her,  and  bending  till  his 
lips  almost  touched  her  cheek,  whispered, 

"  You  shall  live  in  my  beautiful  home — old  Castle 
Cairne — and  Lady  Moody  shall  come  with  yon.  Oh  ! 
Constance,  make  glad  the  life  of  an  unhappy  man.  It 
is  in  your  power.  Say  Yes  !  " 

"]STo  !  no  !  my  lord,  I  cannot,"  she  pleaded,  shud 
dering  at  the  thought  of  the  weird,  grim  castle  and 
this  man  its  master.  "  Pray  let  me  go."  She  strug 
gled  to  be  released,  but  he  held  her  fast. 

"  Hear  me,  Constance.  May  I  hope  yet  to  win 
your  love  ? " 

"  Impossible  !  It  is  not  right  that  I  should  promise 
hope.  Pray  let  me  go." 

"  Constance  Aylmer,  you  must — shall  be  my  wife  ! 
You  shall !  I  swear  it  by  this  !  "  he  exclaimed,  hold 
ing  her  firmly  and  imprinting  kisses  on  brow,  cheek, 
and  lip. 

At  this  she  became  entirely  calm.  She  raised  her 
head  loftily,  her  delicate  nostrils  dilated,  her  lips  curl 
ed  with  pride.  Her  timid  blushes  were  gone.  She 
was  pale  as  a  statue.  She  suffered  her  hands  to  remain 
imprisoned  in  his,  without  an  effort  to  withdraw  them. 
And  her  eyes  !  With  what  a  flash  of  indignation  they 
met  his !  They  stood  thus  an  instant,  he  quite  taken 
by  surprise. 

"You  have   taken   advantage,"   said   she,  "  of  a 


54  CONSTANCE    ATLMER. 

sympathy  which  you  have  now  as  thoroughly  extin 
guished,  as  you  before  had  kindled.  When  you  have 
the  honor  to  release  me,  I  am  ready  to  go." 

Her  majesty  and  dignity  were  not  to  he  resisted. 
Lord  Percy  relinquished  her  hands  instantly.  She 
turned,  and  with  a  deliberate,  stately  step  left  the  room. 
He  gazed  after  her,  astonished.  He  was  angry  now  at 
himself. 

"  What  a  fool !  madman !  to  spoil  that  which 
was  so  well  begun  !  "  He  stood  flushed  and  scowling. 
He  ground  his  teeth.  "  I  will  have  her  yet !  :'  He 
paced  the  room,  stopping  now  and  then,  his  head 
bent,  his  face  working  intensely,  his  eyes  blazing. 
"  She  is  not  to  be  tampered  with.  She  is  no  child. 
She  is  lofty  !  Royal !  But  I  will  have  her  yet.  Yes, 
I  will  have  her !  "  He  could  have  growled  like  a 
raged  tiger,  so  great  was  the  tempest  within  him. 
Voices  in  the  hall  cautioned  him  to  restraint.  He 
pressed  his  hands  over  his  eyes  to  collect  and  master 
himself.  Presently  the  door  opened,  and  Councillor  de 
Sille  announced  his  readiness  to  proceed  to  New 
Utrecht.  He  was  too  preoccupied  to  notice  the  pas 
sion  that  agitated  the  face  of  Lord  Percy. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  55 


YI. 

LADY  MOODY  was  still  in  earnest  converse  with  the 
Governor.  She  had  spoken  in  so  plain  terms  against 
his  proceedings,  that  he  was  offended  at  her  boldness, 
and  replied  in  high  passion.  She  expected  nothing 
less.  A  year  had  scarcely  passed  since  the  same  mag 
istrates  she  defended  were  foremost  in  a  petition  from 
several  townships,  for  redress  against  various  acts  of 
tyranny.  In  case  of  refusal,  they  had  threatened  to 
apply  to  the  superior  council  of  the  Netherlands.  The 
Governor's  only  reply  was,  to  "  disperse,  and  not  as 
semble  again  upon  such  business."  Lady  Moody 
well  knew  that  this  offence  was  not  forgotten,  and  she 
had  not  scrupled  to  charge  his  present  action  to  its 
account.  She  waited  calmly  therefore  till  the  little 
tempest  subsided.  Then  she  replied, 

"  Thee  need  not  be  angry  with  me,  friend,  because 
I  do  not  oil  my  tongue  with  pleasant  lies.  I  speak 
truly  when  I  say  thoti  art  too  hard  upon  the  most 
peaceable  citizens  in  all  thy  dominions.  The  men 
whom  thee  would  appoint  are  strangers  of  thine 
own  nation,  and  would  produce  only  discord  in  our 
English  town.  Complaints  would  clatter  in  thine  ears 
like  hail.  Thy  revenge  would  turn  upon  thee  and 
rend  thy  peace.  1  pray  thee,  as  a  Christian  Ruler, 
deal  justly."  i 

There  was  no  cringing  in  word  or  manner,  and  no 


66  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

taunt  in  her  calmness.  She  spoke  with  an  earnest 
candor  that  commanded  his  respect,  and  so  persuasive 
and  gentle  withal  were  the  tones  of  her  voice,  that  it 
soothed  and  controlled  him.  .  He  serenely  replied, 

"  You  ply  me  wrongly.  As  a  Christian  Ruler,  I  am 
bound  not  to  recognize  the  election  of  Baxter  and 
Hubbard,  and  to  install  in  their  places  those  who  will 
enforce  the  decree  that  the  Reformed  worship  alone 
shall  be  tolerated.  I  am  bound  by  oath  to  the  States 
General  to  see  it  executed." 

"  Friend  Petrus,  thee  need  not  wrongly  construe 
thine  oath,  nor  keep  back  that  part  of  thy  instruc 
tions  which  only  forbids  our  worship  in  public.  We 
have  no  meeting-house  in  Gravesend.  We  worship 
in  our  houses,  and  thee  cannot  disturb  us  there  by 
any  right."  At  this,  the  Director's  face  grew  red  and 
threatening.  Lady  Moody  continued  firmly, 

"  Our  patent  secures  us  liberty  of  conscience.  Its 
violation  would  tarnish  thine  honor.  William  Kirft, 
who  gave  it,  left  us  unmolested.  I  look  to  thee  to  be 
no 'less  generous  than  thy  predecessor,  and  to  grant 
even  the  half  of  that  freedom  which  thee  claims  for 
thine  own  persuasion." 

Had  any  other  than  the  good  Lady  Moody  spoken 
thus,  the  boldness  would  have  cost  her  liberty.  The 
Director  furiously  struck  his  fist  upon  the  polished 
table  exclaiming, 

"  Baxter  and  Hubbard  shall  not  ride  over  me  with 
their  straight  coats.  I'll  not  ratify  the  scoundrels !  So 
hear  me,  Saint  Nicholas  !  "  Another  thwack  on  the 
table-top  helped  the  assertion.  Silence  followed. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  57 

Then  said  Lady  Moody,  as  mildly  as  if  the  Director 
had  not  shown  anger, 

"  Thee  has  no  need  to  call  upon  the  saints.  Tea 
or  nay  for  thine  answer  will  suffice."  She  extended 
her  hand  across  the  table.  "Now,  friend,  lay  thine 
hand  upon  mine  and  say,  for  peace  sake,  who  thee 
will  have  for  our  ruling  magistrates.  I  only  insist 
upon  Englishmen.  I  ask  this  for  thy  peace  as  well 
as  ours."  He  could  not  intimidate  her.  Her  self- 
control  shamed  him.  Her  confidence  in  extending 
her  hand  overcame  him.  He  hesitated  a  moment, 
smiled,  took  it,  and  said  kindly, 

"  God  knows  I  will,  for  peace  sake,  and  for  your 
sake.  Choose  the  magistrates  yourself." 

"  If  the  people  accept  my  choice,  will  thee  abide 
by  it?" 

"  By  my  honor,  I  will.     Write  quickly." 

Lady  Moody  wrote  two  names  upon  a  slip  of  paper, 
acd  gave  it  to  him.  He  read,  and  nodded  assent. 

"  Here,  Sir  Henry,  bear  the  message  yourself. 
Tell  them  to  accept  my  Lady's  choice,  or  I'll  send  them 
a  couple  of  schepens  who  will  straighten  them,  I'll 
warrant."  Sir  Henry  delivered  as  much  of  this  mes 
sage  as  he  saw  fit  to  the  citizens,  who  impatiently 
waited  at  the  Town  House  to  know  the  Governor's 
temper  in  the  matter.  Applause  and  doubt  greeted 
the  decision.  Was  it  wise  to  yield  in  any  degree  to 
the  dictation  of  the  Director  ?  Would  it  not  prove 
disastrous  to  their  freedom  in  the  end  ?  And  was  it 
not  beyond  all  precedent  for  a  woman  to  nominate 
the  town  officers  ?  Was  it  not  illegal  ?  The  discussion 
3* 


58  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

was  spirited  and  prolonged.  The  farther  it  advanced, 
the  more  threatening  it  grew.  Sir  Henry,  fearing  at 
last  that  some  worthy  gossip  might  carry  these  pro 
ceedings  to  the  Director's  ear,  threatened  them  with 
the  rule  of  the  schepens  and  the  loss  of  the  charter. 
This  quieted  the  dispute,  and  the  choice  of  Lady 
Moody  was  accepted,  and  a  vote  of  thanks  returned 
to  her  and  the  Governor. 

The  Councillor  and  Lord  Percy  returned  late  in 
the  evening.  Constance  escaped  to  her  own  room  on 
their  arrival.  Making  herself  comfortable  in  a  warm 
wrapper,  and  cosily  grouping  the  deep  chair,  the  foot 
stool,  the  tripod  stand  and  tall  wax-light,  she  took  for 
a  companion  a  favorite  book  of  Mordaunt's  which  he 
had  recommended  for  her  entertainment.  Pencil- 
notes  and  marked  passages  added  to  the  interest  of 
every  page.  She  was  admitted  into  the  sanctum  of  his 
thoughts,  without  feeling  his  watchful  eyes.  The  very 
handwriting  had  a  charm  of  its  own.  So  she  read  and 
dreamed,  and  dreamed  and  read,  caring  nothing  for 
the  good-night  voices,  thinking  nothing  of  the  hush 
that  settled  upon  the  household.  Leaning  back  in  the 
cushioned  chair,  busy  with  her  own  sweet  thoughts, 
she  fell  fast  asleep.  The  candle  slowly  burned  away. 
At  last  it  flickered  and  flared,  sunk  almost  into  dart- 
ness,  flamed  up  again  without  waking  her,  and  then 
went  out  in  a  puff  of  pungent  smoke,  that  curled  about 
her  head,  and  roused  her  with  a  sense  of  suffocation. 
She  thought  she  had  slept  but  a  moment,  till  she 
remembered  how  tall  the  candle  was  when  she  closed 
her  eyes.  She  was  frightened  to  find  herself  in  the 


COXSTANCE   AYLMEK.  59 

dark  at  midnight.  The'  door  was  open  too.  If  that 
were  only  shut ! 

"  Happily  this  is  not  old  Castle  Cairne,"  she  said 
to  herself,  smiling,  "  else  I  might  well  fear  the  sight 
of  ancient  knights  and  ghostly  ladies."  She  began 
hastily  to  unloose  her  dress.  Suddenly  she  stopped 
and  listened.  That  was  a  footstep !  Nor  a  ghost's 
either !  Stealthily,  quickly  it  passed  along  the  hall. 
Constance  stood  rigid  as  stone.  It  went  down  the 
stairs.  Should  she  fly  now.  to  her  aunt's  chamber  ? 
She  could  not  stir.  It  was  as  if  nightmare  possessed 
her.  The  library  door  creaked.  She  thought  her  heart 
beat  as  loudly  as  the  clock  and  would  betray  her,  but 
she  neither  dared  to  go  nor  stay,  and  so  stood  terrified. 
Waiting  a  long  time  and  hearing  no  sound,  she  began 
to  believe  the  whole  a  fancy.  Trying  to  soothe  her 
own  fears,  yet  standing  like  a  statue,  she  heard  the 
footsteps  again  upon  the  stairs.  This  time  she  sprang 
toward  the  door,  closed  it  with  a  force  that  rang 
through  the  house,  leaned  against  it  with  all  her 
strength,  and  held  the  latch  till  her  fingers  were  numb. 
The  noise  alone  would  have  frightened  ghosts  back  to 
their  resting-places,  much  more  a  cowardly  prowler. 
She  did  not  think  of  this.  She  thought  only  of  that 
tall,  powerful  man  who  held  her  yesterday  in  his 
grasp.  An  army  of  Black  Knights  were  not  half  so 
terrible.  What  wonder,  then,  that  she  guarded  the 
door  till  the  coming  of  morning  was  announced  by  the 
crowing  of  the  cock  ;  then  believing  all  was  well,  threw 
herself  upon  the  bed  and  slept. 

The  guests  had  risen,  breakfasted,  and  gone.    Still 


60  CONSTANCE   AYLMEB. 

Constance  did  not  appear.  "Thinking  she  might  be  ill, 
Lady  Moody  went  to  her  room  and  found  her  just  awa 
kened,  and  lying  there  in  her  wrapper  of  yesterday. 

"Has  thy  good  sense  left  thee,  Constance?"  she 
asked,  amazed. 

"  I  was  foolish,  Annt  Deborah,  but  oh !  so  fright 
ened  !  "  She  told  how  she  had  watched,  and  why. 

"  I  heard  no  stir,  save  the  noise  of  thy  door.  I 
thought  little  of  that.  But  why  did  thee  charge  it  to 
Edgardo  Percy?  Perhaps  Friend  Stnyvesant  was 
ill,  or.  the  Councillor  may  have  sought  warmth  in  the 
library." 

"  The  Governor  could  not  tread  like  that  with  his 
wooden-leg,  neither  has  the  fatherly  Councillor  such 
stealth  in  his  heart.  How  then  conld  he  put  it  in  his 
foot  ? "  Constance  shook  her  head. 

"  Thou  art  paying  a  sorry  compliment  to  thy  coun 
tryman.  If  it  was  he,  doubtless  he  was  careful  not  to 
disturb  us.  Thee  mistook  his  kindness  for  stealth.  I 
recollect  Rose  told  me  the  coals  were  opened  on  the 
hearth.  Thy  reading  turned  thy  head  last  night." 
Lady  Moody  took  up  the  book  that  lay  upon  the  floor 
just  where  it  had  fallen  from  Constance's  sleepy 
fingers. 

"  Let  me  take  it,  Aunt  Deborah,"  she  said,  unwilling 
that  other  eyes  than  her  own  should  read  the  under 
lined  passages.  Lady  Mcodj*  noticed  the  blush  steal 
ing  over  her  face,  and  laid  the  book  down  unopened. 

"  Hasten  and  dress  thyself,  my  daughter.  Thee 
must  not  disappoint  Mary  Tilton,  who  looks  for  thy 
coming  this  morning." 


COXSTANCE   AYLMER.  61 


YII. 

THE  monotony  of  the  following  weeks  was  only 
broken  by  two 'visits  from  Lord  Percy.  Constance 
escaped  the  first  by  a  fortunate  absence.  At  the  sec 
ond,  she  was  not  to  be  found,  which  Lord  Percy 
grimly  suspected  to  be  a  wilful  disappearance.  Soon 
after  a  messenger  came  from  Dame  Zwaller,  claiming 
the  promised  visit.  She  urged  Constance's  return  with 
the  escort  the  next  morning,  in  order  to  arrive  in  time 
for  Elsie  Roosevelt's  birthday. 

New  Amsterdam  did  not  look,  under  the  snow  of 
winter,  as  at  her  first  arrival  in  the  bright  autumn 
days,  and  she  observed  it  now  more  leisurely  and  more 
composedly  from  the  ferryman's  boat,  than  from  the 
ship  that  brought  her  to  a  new  country.  The  mud  walls 
of  the  Fort  were  topped  and  rounded  with  the  white 
snow,  and  the  stone  bastions  bravely  defined  its  limits. 
Upon  the  outermost  bastion  toward  the  river  stood  a 
windmill  and  a  tall  flagstaff,  where  signals  were  hoisted 
upon  the  arrival  of  ships  in  the  bay,  or  where  the 
Prince's  flag  floated  on  gala  days.  The  new  church, 
with  its  square  tower,  its  weather-cock  and  bells,  and 
double  peaked  roof,  rose  prominently  above  the  ram 
parts.  The  Governor's  house,  of  Holland  brick,  stood 
next  the  church.  Its  red-tiled  roof  was  visible  above 
the  walls  of  the  Fort,  though  now  it  was  sheeted  with 
white,  as  were  all  the  houses.  The  reed-thatched  roofs 


62  CONSTANCE  AYLMEU. 

could  only  be  distinguished  by  the  chimneys  of  plas 
tered  boards ;  the  tiled  roofs,  by  the  better  ones  of  brick 
or  cobble-stones.  The  walls  of  the  houses,  painted  in 
blocks  of  yellow,  blue,  or  red,  gleamed  gayly  from 
under  the  shelving  roofs.  The  gable  ends  invariably 
stood  toward  the  street. 

Near  the  landing  were  stone  warehouses.  Paul 
Schipper's  shop  was  here,  as  all  the  children  very 
well  knew.  A  chubby,  dumpy  group,  in  close  caps, 
stood  now  looking  at  the  wonderful  show  in  the  win 
dow,  of  little  animals  moulded  in  clay,  wooden  lyres, 
cakes  shaped  into  shoes  and  hearts,  oil-skin  tobacco 
bags,  brightly  painted  dutch  pipes  with  fat  people 
figured  on  the  bowls,  and  a  host  of  other  toys  which 
the  sign  over  the  door  affirmed  to  have  come  from 
Holland.  Farther  up  the  street  stood  the  imposing 
Stadt  Huys,  and  beyond  was  Metje  "Wessel's  inn. 
This  gave  more  signs  of  life  than  all  the  toy-shops 
together,  for  here  tobacco  and  beer  were  dispensed  to 
the  Herrs  who  met  to  talk  over  the  last  proclamation, 
or  the  latest  arrival  from  the  Old  World. 

"When  Constance  arrived  at  the  Zwallers'  home, 
she  found  them  in  busy  preparation  for  Elsie's  festi 
val.  The  wheels  and  the  reels  were  stowed  in  their 
corners,  Dame  Zwaller  had  already  donned  her  best 
tabby  gown,  and  hung  a  new  pocket  at  her  side,  filled 
with  worsted  balls,  ready  to  begin  a  gay  kassaveika 
for  Christmas.  Like  all  the  aristocratic  dames,  she 
provided  herself  with  a  china  cup  and  saucer  and 
teaspoon,  and  went  early,  in  order  to  enjoy  a  whole 
afternoon  of  gossip.  Constance  and  Barbara  follow- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  63 

ed  at  their  leisure.  Elsie  met  them  at  the  door,  and 
assisted  to  remove  their  wrappers,  eager  to  see  the 
face  of  one  who  was  likely  to  become  her  rival.  She 
surveyed  Constance  with  a  critical  glance  from  head 
to  foot,  when  unobserved.  The  rich  garnet  silk 
would  have  become  a  princess.  There  was  no  fault 
in  it.  The  pearl  brooch  was  simple  and  becoming. 
Her  hair  was  without  ornament.  Elsie  fixed  her  eyes 
upon  the  fresh,  sweet  face.  There  was  an  air  of  grace 
and  purity  about  her  too  high  for  vanity  ;  that  could 
never  stoop  to  rivalry.  Elsie  felt  this  without  under 
standing  it,  and  regarded  her  only  with  admiration 
and  love.  Her  own  nature  was  of  another  order. 
Vivacious,  coquettish  to  the  last  degree,  craving  con 
quests  as  a  soldier  craves  glory,  she  was  in  a  perpetual 
state  of  brilliant  excitement.  Her  eyes  sparkled,  her 
white  teeth  shone,  her  cheeks  glowed;  her  motions 
were  quick,  her  voice  running  always  into  laughter, 
her  words  into  merry  badinage.  Her  sympathies 
were  cold.  She  laughed  at  the  sorrows  of  her  lovers. 
She  was  intensely  selfish.  Yet  she  was  charming  in 
the  eyes  of  more  than  one  of  the  gallants  of  Manhat 
tan,  and  no  one  could  deny  that  she  was  pretty  to 
day.  Her  long  glossy  braids,  blacker  for  the  inter- 
plaiting  of  scarlet  ribbons,  hung  far  below  her  waist. 
The  red  stomacher,  laced  with  gold  chains  (the  gift 
of  her  last  admirer,  Nicholas  Stuyvesant),  closely  fitted 
her  round  full  form  ;  and  a  short  blue  petticoat  fully 
displayed  the  prettiest  foot  and  ankle  in  New  Am 
sterdam. 

That  this  was  her  eighteenth  birthday,  was  signi- 


64  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

fied  by  the  number  hung  in  the  centre  of  the  ever 
green  wreaths  that  decorated  the  walls  of  the  rooms. 
A  lyre  of  moss  over  the  fire-place  was  also  duly  in 
spected  by  the  arriving  guests.  Among  those  who 
seated  themselves  in  an  inevitable  row,  after  saluting 
friends,  Constance  noticed  a  wiry,  restless  little  wo 
man,  whose  round  black  eyes  shot  hither  and  thither, 
as  if  intent  upon  knowing  every  person,  and  every 
article  of  dress,  as  if  to  secure  the  pith  of  every  re 
mark  and  every  incident.  Constance's  unfortunate 
attention  did  not  escape  her.  Flattered  by  it,  she  in 
stantly  occupied  the  nearest  chair,  and  resumed  her 
knitting.  The  needles  clicked  so  fast  that  one  would 
never  have  believed  they  raised  a  solitary  loop  of 
yarn,  had  not  the  rapid  growth  of  the  dangling  stock 
ing  proved  it  beyond  dispute.  Her  tongue  clicked  in 
good  time  with  the  needles.  She  did  not  hesitate  to 
address  Constance. 

"  Nicholas  Stuyvesant  must  have  helped  to  make 
the  lyre.  I  saw  him  bring  a  covered  basket  yester 
day.  He  came  into  the  street  by  the  landgate,  and 
must  have  been  to  the  woods  for  moss.  I  ran  for  my 
hood  to  see  if  he  came  here,  and  truly  he  did  come. 
Elsie  wont  refuse  him — the  Director's  son.  Will 
she?" 

"  I  know  nothing  of  it,"  replied  Constance, 
amused  at  the  earnestness  with  which  the  little  wo 
man  talked  of  her  neighbor's  affairs. 

"  There  comes  Nicholas  himself,"  whispered  Lis- 
bet.  Constance  turned  with  some  interest  to  see  him, 
for  she  had  often  heard  his  name.  She  was  disap- 


CONSTANCE    AYLilEE.  65 

pointed  to  see  him  almost  boyish,  slight,  pale,  blue- 
eyed,  and  wearing  his  hair  in  curls  in  the  English 
style.  His  dress  was  half  English.  He  entered  with 
a  careless,  languid  swing  which  indicated  his  creed, 
"  Leave  care  for  to-morrow." 

"  ISTicholas  is  a  good  fellow,  but  he  is  a  lazy  strip 
ling,"  said  Lisbet.  "  He  gave  Elsie  her  gold  chains 
this  morning.  There  is  no  end  to  his  generosity. 
But  it  is  easy  enough  to  give  away  other  people's  earn 
ings.  If  he  would  bend  his  own  back  to  the  burden 
like  his  brother,  doubtless  his  guilders  would  not  slide 
so  deftly  out  of  his  fingers.  He  borrows  till  his  debts 
tease  him,  and  then,  to  lift  him  out  of  trouble,  his 
good  brother  pays  it  all.  More's  the  pity  for  him,  that 
Baltazzar  has  so  soft  a  heart ! "  Constance  was 
shocked  at  this  revelation  of  family  affairs,  but  re 
gardless  of  her  troubled  look,  Lisbet  rattled  on. 

"  There  is  Baltazzar  now,  he's  his  father's  staff. 
The  Director  would  sooner  part  with  his  other  leg 
than  with  that  son.  Barbara  will  bring  him  a  fine 
dowry,  wont  she  ?  I  know,  for  I  have  been  in  Dame 
Zwallers  loft.  She  has  more  quilts  and  linen  and 
stuffs  from  her  own  looms  than  you  will  find  in  another 
house  this  side  of  Holland.  And  nobody  knows  how 
much  gold  is  stowed  in  the  iron  chest."  Lisbet  was 
forced  to  stop  at  the  approach  of  Baltazzar,  who  came 
to  speak  to  Constance.  After  a  few  words,  he  went 
away.  In  the  meantime,  a  new  arrival  started  Lis- 
bet's  tongue  anew. 

"  That  is  Carl  Yan  Loot,  the  richest  man  in  Man 
hattan.  You  see  his  clothes  are  rusty,  and  his  face 


66  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

pinched  with,  hunger  and  cold.  He  was  a  suitor  of 
Elsie's.  She  told  him  she  would  marry  him  if  he 
would  build  her  a  house  all  of  Holland  brick,  and  fill 
it  with  gold-laced  chairs  and  silk  hangings,  and  that 
he  must  furnish  a  purse  of  guilders  to  roll  to  beggars 
on  their  wedding-day.  She  sends  all  the  alms-seekers 
she  meets  to  his  door,  and  punishes  him  with  every 
petition  for  money  she  hears  of.  He  groans  at  his 
folly  in  making  love  to  such  a  giddy-head."  Con 
stance  laughed  in  spite  of  herself  at  all  these — the 
miser,  the  coquette,  and  the  gossipper.  Yet  she  shrank 
from  this  rude  unveiling  of  characters,  and  would 
gladly  have  escaped  from  Lisbet  had  it  been  possible 
without  drawing  upon  herself  the  eyes  of  all.  The 
next  moment,  however,  she  was  glad  to  retain  her 
neighbor.  Lord  Percy  came  in.  The  buzz  that  had 
filled  the  room  ceased  at  the  announcement  of  his 
august  presence.  The  mass  of  curls  upon  his  broad 
shoulders,  his  velvet  coat  gold-laced,  the  scarlet  stock 
ings  topped  with  Flanders  lace,  the  high-heeled  shoes 
of  Spanish  leather,  attracted  the  gaze  of  every  one 
for  a  moment,  and  then  the  buzz  of  chit-chat  was  re 
sumed.  Lisbet  turned  to  Constance  with  a  wise  nod. 

"  Lord  Percy  will  wish  this  seat.  I  will  find 
another." 

"  Stay  ! "  said  Constance  in  so  commanding  a  voice 
that  the  little  gossiper  remained  in  her  seat,  frightened 
into  a  short  silence. 

Lord  Percy,  like  any  earnest  lover,  discovered 
Constance  at  his  first  entrance.  He  saw  Lisbet's 
movement  and  detention,  and  understood  it.  But  he 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  67 

was  occupied  now  with  Elsie,  and,  soon  after,  Herr 
Roosevelt  appointed  him  to  lead  Elsie  to  the  great 
room  where  the  feast  was  spread,  and  hither  followed 
all  the  company. 

This  feast  was  not  a  French  sleight  of  hand.  It 
was  a  banquet  of  solids,  every  one  of  which  had  been 
watched  from  the  seed,  the  egg,  the  tree,  by  the  hostess 
herself,  and  finally  concocted  in  tempting  forms  by 
her  skilful  hands.  Even  the  silver  was  mainly  of 
her  earning.  The  savory  smoke  of  the  preparing  feast 
had  for  some  time  foretold  what  was  in  store.  Geese 
stuffed  with  chestnuts  or  prunes,  turkey  garnished 
with  necklaces  of  sausage,  oly-koeks,  noodles  swim 
ming  in  sauce,  pungent  saurkraut  and  a  host  of  lesser 
dishes  left  no  spaces  on  the  long  table.  Conspicuous 
in  the  centre  was  a  mammoth  bowl  of  punch  encircled 
by  eighteen  wax-lights,  reminders  of  the  happy  occa 
sion.  At  one  end  of  the  table  sat  Dame  Roosevelt, 
behind  a  large  swinging  silver  kettle.  Her  shining 
face  told  as  plainly  as  words  that  she  had  personally 
superintended  all  the  brewing  and  stewing  to  the 
latest  moment.  The  guests  were  seated,  the  silent 
grace  followed,  and  then,  above  all  the  clatter  of 
serving,  rose  the  voice  of  Dame  Roosevelt  as  she  filled 
each  thimble  cup  with  tea. 

"  Stir  or  bite,  neighbor  Zwaller  ?  stir  or  bite, 
Lisbet  ?  Herr  Yan  Loot,  will  you  stir  or  bite  ?  " 

Each  suited  his  own  whim  as  to  nibbling  the  lump 
of  sugar  beside  his  plate  while  sipping  -the  fragrant 
tea,  or  whether  he  should  permit  Dame  Koosevelt  to 
sweeten  the  celestial  draught.  Herr  Yan  Loot  chose 


68  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

the  latter,  and  reserved  the  lump  beside  his  plate  for 
his  rare  and  solitary  cup  in  his  dreary  cabin.  Lisbet 
nibbled  and  chattered  right  and  left,  pronouncing 
every  thing  perfect,  though  Herr  Zwaller  could  not 
see  that  she  took  time  to  touch  or  taste. 

"  This  pretty  Mistress  Ayhner  is  to  be  your  Christ- 
child,  I  hear,"  whispered  she  to  the  burgomaster. 

"Ah  ha!"  exclaimed  he,  from  the  midst  of  an 
oly-koeks. 

"  The  Lord  Director  himself  chose  her,"  continued 
Lisbet.  enjoying  his  puzzled  look.  He  laid  down  his 
oley  keok  and  turned  his  moon  face  full  upon  her. 

"Well,  how  do  you  know  it?"  was  the  sharp 
question. 

"  Baltazzar  told  it  to  Barbara  this  afternoon,"  she 
answered,  a  little  alarmed.  The  burgomaster's  head 
slowly  revolved  to  the  other  side  where  his  wife  sat 
intent  upon  discovering  any  slovenly  flaws  in  the 
entertainment. 

"  Christiana,  do  you  hear  this  ?  His  High  Might 
iness  has  made  an  appointment  for  your  Christmas 
rejoicings." 

"  I  chose  Constance  long  ago  without  the  aid  of 
the  Lord  Director,  or  Lisbet  either.  Let  him  see  to 
his  state  aifairs,  and  Lisbet  to  the  run  of  her  own 
tongue." 

Next  Herr  Roosevelt  sat  Lord  Percy,  all  devotion 
to  Elsie,  except  his  eyes,  which  continually  wandered 
across  to  Constance.  She  carefully  avoided  meeting 
his  gaze,  and  politely  listened  to  all  that  Nicholas 
Stuy  vesant  had  to  say.  But  poor  Nicholas  was  absent 


COXSTANCE   AYLMEE.  69 

and  distracted.  He  felt  ill  at  ease  in  Constance's 
grave  company.  "While  he  thought  her  beautiful,  he 
was  afraid  of  her.  She  had  none  of  the  attraction  for 
him  that  the  saucy,  flirting  Elsie  exercised,  and  he 
was  annoyed  and  angry  to  see  that  Elsie  seemed  to 
forget  him  altogether,  and  spent  all  her  lively  glances 
upon  her  new  admirer.  He  felt  indignant  at  Lord 
Percy  too.  Had  he  not  spent  many  an  hour  with 
him  in  friendly  chat  at  the  inn  ?  Had  he  not  confided 
to  him  his  intentions  concerning  Elsie  ?  Had  he  not 
devoted  himself  to  him  in  every  way?  Gambled, 
drank,  assumed  his  manner,  imitated  his  dress  ?  Been, 
in  short,  his  humble  pupil  ?  This  was  his  friendship 
then.  He  did  not  scruple  to  win  Elsie  under  the  very 
eyes  of  his  devoted  servant.  But  Nicholas  had  to 
endure  it,  and  take  his  first  valuable  lesson  in  self- 
control. 

Lisbet  was  not  blind  to  all  this.  "Whatever  she 
could  not  discover  by  leaning  forward  or  backward, 
she  knew  by  intuition.  The  knowledge  obtained,  she 
felt  an  irresistible  desire  to  tell  it.  She  could  not 
speak  without  gossiping.  Her  head  had  never  con 
tained  anything  but  her  neighbors'  affairs,  and  to  be 
silent  concerning  them  would  be  simply  to  become 
forever  dumb.  When  she  opened  her  mouth  there 
fore,  it  was  with  no  malice,  but  the  natural  overflow 
of  her  thoughts.  Dame  Zwaller's  reproof,  a  little 
while  ago,  only  caused  her  to  choose  a  more  amiable 
auditor.  With  the  best  possible  intentions,  she  began 
to  entertain  Mistress  Primley,  who  sat  next  below  her 
quietly  enjoying  the  feast. 


70  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

"  Do  you  see  Lord  Percy,  yonder  ?  Elsie  is  setting 
her  cap  for  him.  She  need  not  take  the  trouble,  for 
he  is  to  marry  that  pretty  Mistress  Aylmer  very  soon, 
I  hear."  Mistress  Primley  looked  aghast  at  this  bit 
of  news. 

"  Is  it  true,  Lisbet  ?  " 

•"  Yes,  I  know  all  about  it.  He  has  crossed  the 
ferry  twice  a  week  to  see  her.  And  the  gifts  he  has 
bestowed  !  The  pearl  brooch  that  fastens  her  kerchief 
must  be  one  of  them.  There  never  was  one  like  it  in 
Amsterdam.  You  can  see  for  yourself  how  his  very 
eyes  would  eat  her  up."  Yes,  Mistress  Primley  saw 
it  all.  Her  feast  was  ended.  Lisbet  might  as  well 
have  poured  gall  in  her  tea. 

"  I  feared  me  it  would  end  thus,"  said  she,  agitated. 
My  lady  may  live  in  a  fine  castle,  but  her  dear  heart 
will  pine.  Ah  me!  no  good  will  come  of  her  seeing 
that  owl." 

"  What  of  the  owl  ? "  queried  Lisbet.  She  was 
goon  in  possession  of  the  whole  history  of  the  voyage 
and  arrival.  Her  gossipy  soul  was  delighted. 

Now  Elsie's  health  was  drank  in  many  flagons  of 
beer,  many  pipes  were  produced,  long-winded  legends 
were  recited,  and  the  banquet  was  ended.  The  tables 
disappeared.  Cato  with  his  fiddle  came  in,  and  the 
sreat  room  resounded  with  music  and  the  tread  and 

C5 

shuffle  of  dancing  feet.  Constance  was  only  a  spectator. 
Lord  Percy  had  opened  the  dance  with  Elsie.  As 
soon  as  he  could  withdraw,  he  came  to  her  side  and 
addressed  her  in  his  lowest  tones. 

"  How  can  I  atone  for  my  rudeness  at  our  last 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  71 

meeting?  I  crave  your  pardon.  Can  you  not  grant 
it?" 

Constance  had  no  courage  to  reply  as  she  wished. 
Her  face  was  downcast  and  perplexed. 

"  Shall  I  construe  your  silence  in  rny  favor?  "  he 
whispered,  bending  respectfully. 

"No ! "  was  the  sudden  reply.  "  I  can  grant  your 
request  only  on  one  condition,  my  lord." 

"  What  may  that  be  ? "  he  asked,  pleased  and  eager. 

"  That  you  leave  me  altogether."  She  trembled, 
and  dare  not  encounter  his  look.  He,  perceiving  her 
timidity,  said  boldly, 

"I  cannot  accept  forgiveness  upon  terms  that 
would  fill  me  with  misery.  Neither  can  I  leave  you 
now  till  you  grant  the  pardon  I  so  humbly  crave.  To 
prove  it,  I  will  kneel  to  you  as  to  my  sovereign,  sweet 
Constance,  in  the  presence  of  all  these  witnesses." 

He  made  a  movement  as  if  to  drop  upon  one  knee 
before  her.  She  arose  quickly  to  prevent  it. 

"  Do  you  pardon  me,  then  ?  " 

"  1  do  if  you  will  but  leave  me  now,"  said  she, 
vexed  tears  filling  her  eyes.  Lord  Percy  smiled,  bow 
ed  gracefully  and  went  away  triumphant.  When 
Constance  ventured  to  look  up,  she  saw  Lisbet's  curious 
eyes  fixed  upon  her.  That  worthy  gossip  was  unable 
to  wait  till  to-morrow  to  tell  what  she  imagined  she 
had  seen  and  heard,  and,  turning  quickly  about,  whis 
pered  to  Mistress  Prim  ley, 

"  I  heard  Lord  Percy,  with  my  own  ears,  say  that 
he  loved  her,  and  with  my  own  eyes  saw  her  blushes. 
There  is  truly  to  be  a  wedding  after  all  that.  I  won- 


72  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

der  liow  soon  it  will  be  ? "  Intent  upon  this  question, 
she  went  over  to  Barbara,  who  was  resting  after  the 
fatigue  of  the  dance.  Poor  Mistress  Primley  went 
for  her  cloak  and  hood,  sighing  and  murmuring  over 
the  fate  of  her  protegee.  The  rest  of  the  matrons 
were  rolling  themselves  in  their  mufflers,  in  order  to 
reach  home  at  the  decent  hour  of  nine.  A  little  later, 
the  last  vigorous  couple  who  had  out  waltzed  every 
other,  finished  with  a  flourish,  and  Cato  gave  a  long- 
drawn  scrape  across  the  fiddle-strings,  then  a  short 
sharp  squeak  which  announced  the  end  of  the  festivi 
ties. 

Nicholas  Stuyvesant  had  proudly  avoided  Elsie  the 
whole  evening.  He  had  danced  incessantly  with  the 
daughter  of  a  rich  burgomaster,  and,  at  a  moment 
when  he  knew  Elsie  must  hear,  asked  the  happiness 
of  escorting  the  heiress  to  her  father's  stoop.  But 
Elsie  did  not  care.  His  services  had  been  valuable 
the  previous  .day,  and  she  possessed  a  gold  chain  for 
her  bodice.  She  enjoyed  immensely  her  new  flirta 
tion  with  the  English  nobleman.  His  flattery  elated 
her.  What  was  it  to  her,  then,  if  Nicholas  went 
away  pained  and  with  a  vague  feeling  that  he  was 
loving  a  woman  without  a  heart  ? 


COXSTAXCE    A.YLMER. 


VIII. 

I 

THE  next  day,  Barbara  and  Constance  sat  in  the 
midst  of  gay  bits  of  ribbon  and  silk,  paper  cuttings, 
little  bunches  of  bright  bird  plumage,  and  acorn  cups, 
which  they  were  busily  making  into  fancy  articles  for 
the  expected  Christmas  tree.  Perle  and  Engle  Zwal- 
ler,  to  whom  Santa  Claus  was  to  transfer  them,  were 
at  this  hour  imprisoned  in  the  school-house  under  the 
shadow  of  the  Fort,  and  were  wholly  innocent  of  the 
delightful  hurly-burly  of  brilliant  things  at  home,  the 
moment  their  feet  pattered  over  the  foot-path  to  school. 
Barbara  was  hurrying  the  work,  in  order  to  remove 
all  traces  of  it  before  their  return.  Both  she  and 
Constance  were  so  absorbed  as  not  to  notice  the  dou 
ble  stamping  of  feet  upon  the  stoop,  or  hear  another 
voice  than  Herr  Z waller's.  Dame  Zwaller  left  her 
spinning-wheel,  and  made  haste  to  lay  a  pair  of  slip 
pers  near  the  door,  lest  Mynheer  should  track  the 
newly  sanded  floor  with  his  heavy  wooden  shoes. 
Constance  did  not  look  up  even,  when  the  two  enter 
ed.  A  voice  caught  her  ear  that  made  her  start.  She 
turned  quickly  to  meet  the  smiling  face  of  Mr.  Mor- 
daunt.  She  was  surprised,  agitated,  confused  at  his 
sudden  coming,  and  in  rising  overturned  her  work- 
basket,  so  that  its  contents  went  rolling  over  the  floor 
in  every  direction.  She  was  ashamed  of  her  confu 
sion,  and  he  standing  there  so  composed  with  his  al- 
4 


74  CONSTANCE   AYLHEK. 

ways  watchful,  critical  eyes  upon  her !  He  was  pleas 
ed  at  her  embarrassment,  pleased  to  find  her  there  in 
the  midst  of  childish  work.  It  was  better  than  seeing 
her  at  Moody  Hall  busy  with  a  bridal  trousseau.  If 
she  was  to  become  Lady  Percy,  there  was  a  respite  at 
all  events.  But  what  did  the  happy  glow  in  her  face 
at  sight  of  himself  mean  ?  Thinking  thus  in  the  in 
tervals  of  greeting,  a  painful  suspense  of  fear  and 
hope  oppressed  him.  He  looked  again  at  Constance. 
Her  face  was  quiet  and  cold  now,  her  manner  reserv 
ed.  He  did  not  imagine  how  heavily  her  heart  beat 
beneath  it  all.  His  own  sank  like  lead,  as  he  judged 
that  friendship  alone  had  moved  her.  And  yet  it  was 
such  a  rare  glow  that  had  lighted  her  countenance. 

Mr.  Mordaunt  talked  with  Herr  Zwaller  of  the 
events  of  his  journey,  turning  now  and  then  to  Con 
stance,  to  explain  items  of  interest  to  her.  Afterward 
the  Herr  went  away,  and  only  Dame  Zwaller  remained, 
with  her  ever  noisy  wheel  accompanying  the  chit-chat, 
but  instead  of  interrupting,  it  seemed  only  to  make 
conversation  flow  the  more  readily.  The  hours  flew 
swiftly  to  both  Mordaunt  and  Constance.  Pie  gave 
himself  up  to  the  happiness  of  her  society  for  this 
once  more.  Perhaps  it  was  the  last  time.  He  was 
obliged  to  sit  near  her,  that  the  buzz  of  the  wheel 
might  not  drown  his  voice ;  he  offered  suggestions 
about  the  little  silk  bags  she  was  making  ;  he  picked 
up  her  scissors  when  she  dropped  them  ;  he  found  her 
missing  thimble  rolling  away,  and  playfully  took  her 
hand  and  replaced  it  himself,  telling  her  he  wished 
she  would  drop  it  again.  The  hours  were  bewitched. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  75 

In  tlie  meantime,  Barbara  had  gone  to  the  Fort 
to  get  Nicholas  to  come  and  act  Knecht  Rupert  that 
evening.  He  was  too  much  out  of  humor,  but  offer 
ed  to  go  to  the  bowery  and  bring  Baltazzar,  who  never 
refused  any  kind  office.  Then  she  hastened  to  secure 
Elsie's  presence,  that  the  evening  need  not  pass  with 
out  a  frolic.  Elsie's  mother  was  ill. 

"  Never  mind,"  said  Elsie  ;  "  Mistress  Primley 
shall  come  and  stay  with  her.  I  shall  be  glad  to  get 
away.  A  house  is  hateful  and  dull  with  sick  people 
in  it." 

"  But,"  said  Barbara,  feeling  guilty  for  tempting 
her,  "  your  mother  may  need  you.  She  will  not  be 
pleased."  Barbara  thought  of  the  mother's  labors  to 
make  her  daughter's  birthday  happy.  "  I  will  put 
off  Knecht  Rupert  till  another  evening,"  she  added, 
"  rather  than  take  you  from  her." 

"  Fie  !  "  laughed  Elsie.  "  Mistress  Primley  will 
serve  her  better.  She  complains  that  I  make  her 
broth  too  salt,  that  I  never  place  her  pillows  right,  and 
— so,  so.  I  can't  please  her.  Besides,  it  is  rueful  to 
sit  all  the  evening  by  a  faint  taper  and  keep  silence. 
You  may  be  sure  I  shall  coine  to  see  your  Knecht 
Rupert," 

The  all-dutiful  Barbara  went  home  with  an  uneasy 
sense  of  having  done  something  very  wrong  herself. 
She  would  still  have  put  off  the  irolic,  but  for  Baltaz 
zar,  who  would  not  fail  to  come  all  the  way  from  the 
bowery.  And  he  did  come. 

As  soon  as  supper  was  served  and  carried  away, 
there  was  much  whispering  and  laughter,  and  going 


76  CONSTANCE   AYI.MER. 

in  and  out  of  an  adjoining  room.  Elsie  was  closeted 
there  also;  but  Nicholas  remained  quiet  and  thought 
ful,  amusing  himself  occasionally  with  teasing  the 
children,  who,  half  frightened  and  half  pleased,  waited 
the  advent  of  the  wonderful  Rupert.  There  was  an 
unexpected  addition  to  the  guests.  Lisbet,  who  had 
seen  the  arrival  of  a  stranger  that  day  across  the 
street,  and  watched  Barbara  going  to  and  fro,  could 
not  resist  catching  up  her  wheel  after  tea  and  running 
into  neighbor  Zwaller's  to  see  what  all  the  commotion 
was  about.  Once  arrived,  she  was  a  fixture  at  the 
fireside.  She  did  not  fail  to  survey  Mr.  Mordaunt 
from  the  top  of  his  brown  locks  to  the  tip  of  his 
pointed  boot,  and  decided  him  every  inch  a  gentle 
man. 

"Who  is  he  ? "  she  whispered  to  Constance  at  the 
first  opportunity.  "  He  looks  the  nobleman  far  better 
than  Lord  Percy.  Who  may  he  be  ? " 

"  A  friend  of  Aunt  Deborah.  He  is  a  Virginian, 
I  believe,"  replied  Constance,  endeavoring  to  look  in 
different,  and  changing  the  subject.  But  Lisbet  was 
not  satisfied.  She  was  soon  conversing  with  Mordaunt 
himself,  as  if  she  had  known  him  all  her  life.  She 
felt  no  awe  or  reserve.  If  he  had  been  the  Prince 
just  from  Holland,  she  would  have  entertained  him 
all  the  same  with  the  latest  news  in  New  Amsterdam. 
Mr.  Mordaunt  knew  of  her,  and  it  occurred  to  him 
immediately  that  she  might  be  able  to  tell  him  what 
he  most  wished  to  know.  The  first  moment  that 
Constance  was  called  away,  and  while  Perlc  and  En- 
gle  were  noisily  romping  with  Nicholas,  he  adroitly 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  77 

al]uded  to  Lord  Percy.  This  was  enough  to  lead  Lis- 
bet  off  in  full  description  of  all  she  knew  and  all  that 
she  did  not  know,  but  had  repeated  so  often  that  she 
now  honestly  told  it  for  truth.  Every  word  went  like  a 
dagger  through  his  heart.  He  was  newly  disappointed. 
He  could  not  understand  Constance.  The  unconscious 
betrayals  of  love  in  the  happy  afternoon  just  gone, 
had  thrilled  him  with  hope.  But  she  was  capable  of 
giving  her  hand  to  one  for  the  sake  of  a  title,  while 
her  heart  was  possibly  another's.  The  tumult  within 
kept  him  silent,  while  Lisbet  rattled  on  about  indif 
ferent  matters,  till  interrupted  by  the  jingling  of  bells 
and  the  announcement  that  Rupert  had  come. 

One  that  looked  like  a  giant,  wrapped  in  furs, 
stalked  in.  He  wore  a  tall  fur  cap,  with  three  fox 
tails  hanging  behind  ;  a  heavy  robe,  edged  with  bells 
that  tinkled  at  every  step  ;  great  boots,  lengthened 
out  like  Esquimaux  snow-shoes;  and  two  large  quivers 
strapped  on  his  back,  one  tilled  witli  cakes,  the  other 
with  birch-rods.  Perle  flew  to  her  mother,  scrambled 
upon  her  lap  and  hid  her  face  in  her  bosom.  Engle 
stood  bravely  up,  with  his  hands  clasped  tightly  be 
hind  his  back,  and  his  eyes  wide  open.  Not  a  foot 
would  he  stir  before  Rupert,  even  though  he  had 
gone  over  him  like  a  car  of  Juggernaut.  So  Rupert 
stopped,  looked  smilingly  down  upon  him,  and  spoke 
in  a  voice  that  seemed  to  come  from  a  cave  in  a 
mountain.  Engle  was  awed  and  amazed  that  Knecht 
Rupert  knew  all  his  conduct  at  school,  and  that  he 
had  thrown  paper  balls  to  the  top  of  the  wall  that 
very  day.  He  thought  Rupert  had  been  down  the 


78  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

school-house  chimney,  and  saw  them  sticking  on  the 
wall.  But  his  monitor  reprimanded  him  kindly,  and, 
to  his  great  relief,  took  down  the  load  of  cakes  in 
stead  of  the  rods,  and  showered  them  over  him  and 
Perle.  Both  Perle  and  Engle  were  ready  to  throw 
up  their  arms  in  delight  that  no  rods  were  left  for 
them,  for  now  they  were  sure  of  having  the  Christ 
mas  tree.  When  Rupert  turned  to  go,  Engle  followed 
him  at  a  safe  distance,  bent  upon  seeing  him  perform 
the  feat  of  flying  up  the  chimney ;  but  when  he  was 
able  to  open  the  door  that  closed  behind  Rupert,  no 
body  was  there.  So  he  ran  quickly  to  the  chimney, 
and  shouted  with  all  his  might, 

"  You  all  up  ?  " 

"  All  up  !  "  said  a  muffled  voice  that  Engle  was 
sure  came  from  the  chimney-top,  and  he  went  back 
with  intense  satisfaction  to  distribute  his  cakes  among 
the  company.  A  space  was  now  cleared  for  blind- 
man's-buff.  Just  as  the  game  was  about  to  begin,  a 
loud  knock  startled  them. 

"  Knecht  Rupert  has  come  back,"  exclaimed 
Engle.  No,  it  was  Lord  Percy.  The  burgomaster 
ushered  him  in,  and  hastened  to  obtain  a  chair  from 
the  upturned  furniture,  apologizing  for  the  confusion. 
He  begged  not  to  spoil  their  entertainment.  He  had 
come  only  for  a  few  moments  to  make  his  adieus, 
having  to  leave  early  next  morning  on  urgent  busi 
ness.  He  was  going  to  the  New  England  colonies, 
and  expected  to  be  absent  some  weeks. 

"  Lisbet  was  right,  then.  This  is  the  reason  of  the 
delay  of  the  marriage,"  thought  Mr.  Mordaunt,  who 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEE.  79 

showed  himself  stiffly  reserved  in  the  new  presence. 
After  a  few  words  with  the  Zwallers,  Lord  Percy  ap 
proached  Constance,  who  had  remained  at  the  up 
per  end  of  the  room  with  the  blinder  still  in  her 
hand. 

"  Once  more,  Constance  Aylmer,  may  I  return  to 
claim  you  as  mine  ?  " 

"Never ! "  she  replied,  in  a  low,  calm  voice. 

"  You  are  obstinate.  You  will  repent  it  yet.  I 
never  abandon  an  undertaking  till  it  is  accomplished. 
I  leave  my  heart  with  you,  and  shall  demand  its 
equivalent." 

"  "Which  you  will  never  receive ! "  The  stern 
decision  of  her  words  and  look  would  have  checked 
any  other  than  him.  He  was  the  more  reckless  for 
her  coldness,  and  seizing  her  hand  as  once  before, 
kissed  it  passionately,  turned  quickly  away,  bowed  his 
adieus  to  the  assembled  company  and  went  out.  •  What 
a  marvellous  change  this  sudden  raid  worked  in  those 
who  remained.  Constance  stood  still,  pale  and  fright 
ened.  Elsie's  vanity  was  wounded  at  the  slight  recog 
nition  of  herself,  after  all  his  adulation  only  the  evening 
before.  A  great  load  was  lifted  from  Nicholas'  heart 
at  the  departure  of  Lord  Percy,  for  more  reasons  than 
concerned  Elsie.  As  for  Mr.  Mordaunt,  his  very  soul 
was  on  fire.  He  had  the  evidence  now  of  his  own 
eyes  that  Constance  was  affianced  to  Lord  Percy,  and 
the  words  had  been  pronounced  too  distinctly  for  1dm 
not  to  hear, — "return  to  claim  you  as  mine."  He 
could  not  stay  near  her  longer.  He  could  not  bear  to 
look  upon  her  face.  Pleading  illness,  he  turned  to  bid 


80  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

Dame  Zwaller  good  evening.  Barbara  endeavored  in 
vain  to  detain  him. 

"  You  may  go  in  peace,  Mr.  Mordaunt,  if  you  will 
promise  to  return  to  us  Christmas  eve,"  said  she,  inter 
cepting  him  as  he  was  about  to  depart. 

"  Impossible  !  I  cannot,"  he  replied,  casting  a  look 
at  Constance,  who  was  earnestly  waiting  his  answer. 
Barbara  withdrew  froni  the  doorway,  a  little  chagrined 
at  his  manner,  and  allowed  him  to  pass  out.  He  went 
to  Metje  Wessel's  inn,  making  himself  as  wretched  as 
was  possible.  The  party  he  left  were  scarcely  in  better 
humor. 

';  I  hope  Knecht  Rupert  will  carry  him  a  bag  of 
ashes  to-night,  for  spoiling  our  sport,"  said  Elsie,  pout 
ing  her  red  lips  and  turning  away  in  a  pet  from 
Nicholas.  He  needed  but  very  slight  repnlse  now, 
and  went  quietly  to  talk  with  Constance.  This  did 
not  suit  Elsie. 

"  I  am  going  home.  I  have  pressing  business  that 
requires  my  attention  too,"  said  she,  mocking  the 
tone  of  the  two  gallants  who  had  so  unceremoniously 
taken  themselves  away.  "  Come,  Lisbet,  are  you  not 
going  ?  You  must  begin  early  to-morrow,  or  you  will 
not  be  able  to  recount  all  that  has  happened.  Good 
night,  Barbara."  She  put  on  her  hood  and  cloak,  and 
was  out  of  the  gate  before  Nicholas  was  half  ready, 
and,  if  she  had  not  condescended  to  wait  there,  he 
would  have  disdained  to  follow  her. 

The  good-natured  Barbara  could  not  understand 
the  queer  humor  of  her  guests.  She  wondered  and 
chatted  about  it  till  she  talked  herself  to  sleep  that 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  81 

night,  not  knowing  that  while  Constance  answered  her 
cheerfully,  her  cheeks  and  pillow  were  wet  with  tears. 
She  was  as  unhappy  as  Mordauiit.  It  takes  so  little 
to  make  lovers  miserable  ! 

The  following  days  were  as  busy  as  those  that  had 
gone  before ;  there  was  so  little  that  could  be  bought 
for  gifts,  so  much  that  must  be  patiently  made  into 
comely  shape  or  use.  Dame  Zwaller  was  as  occupied 
with  preparations  for  Christinas,  as  any  modern  house 
wife  for  Thanksgiving,  and  Barbara's  services  were 
often  needed.  Naturally  indolent,  she  much  preferred 
to  sit  by  the  fire  and  mould  clay  sheep  and  shepherds, 
than  to  spend  all  the  morning  frying  noodles  or  making 
pigeon  pies.  There  was  often  a  struggle  in  her  mind 
between  self-indulgence  and  filial  duty,  though  one 
would  hardly  suspect  it,  so  readily  did  she  always 
answer  her  mother's  call. 

"  But,"  said  she,  on  one  of  these  busy  days,  "  when 
you  come  to  my  house,  good  mother,  you  will  see  the 
milk  in  stone  bowls  that  will  never  want  to  shine ;  the 
floors  shall  be  dyed  as  yellow  as  the  sun,  and  I  will 
put  iron  dogs  in  the  fire-places,  that  will  need  no  fine 
polish  every  day,  and  so  my  Minxey  will  have  time 
to  fry  and  stew  and  bake,  and  leave  me  to  please 
myself." 

"  So,  so !  We  shall  see,"  laughed  her  mother. 
And  the  preparations,  went  on,  and  might  have  gone 
on  indefinitely,  if  Christmas  had  been  postponed.  But 
the  last  day  came,  and  the  last  touches  were  the  most 
important.  The  parlor  underwent  a  thorough  renova 
tion,  although  Dame  Zwaller  unfailingly  swept,  dust-. 
4* 


82  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

ed,  and  aired  it  every  week,  and  shut  it  up  again, 
allowing  the  children  to  inspect  it  only  on  tip-toe  from 
the  door-sill.  The  floor  was  now  scoured  white,  waxed, 
and  polished  till  it  shone.  The  green  russet-leathered 
chairs  were  carefully  dusted,  and  the  silver-lace  uncov 
ered.  The  flowered  tabby  curtains  were  looped  back 
in  precise  folds,  and  an  extra  polish  given  to  the  black 
oak  table.  Engle  and  Perle  danced  about  delighted, 
but  after  seeing  a  tall  fir-tree  carried  'into  the  forbid 
den  room,  they  were  permitted  to  behold  nothing  more, 
for  the  key  was  turned  and  the  tree  left  for  the  gifts 
of  the  Christ-child.  After  listening  in  vain  for  the 
fluttering  of  wings,  they  went  away  with  little  Jansen 
Miiller  and  his  sister  Margaritta,  to  make  a  fort  of 
snow  like  the  grand  one  in  which  the  mighty  Governor 
lived. 

Before  dark,  Nicholas  and  Baltazzar  came  in,  then 
Elsie  Roosevelt,  and  later,  Mr.  Mordaunt  arrived  from 
Gravesend,  surprising  and  pleasing  all  at  his  change 
of  purpose.  Early  in  the  evening  the  locked  room 
was  thrown  open.  A  huge  log  in  the  wide  fire-place, 
fronted  with  pine  knots,  threw  a  brilliant  light  over 
the  room.  In  the  farthest  corner  was  a  cone-shaped 
tree,  shining  with  wax-lights,  and  hung  with  gifts  of 
every  color,  shape,  and  use.  The  tree  was  firmly 
planted  in  a  large  box  filled  with  earth,  and  covered 
with  moss  to  represent  a  field.  A  stag  with  gilded 
horns,  storks,  dogs,  sheep,  and  two  shepherds  with  long 
crooks  stood  watching  their  flocks  in  the  field. 
Above  them  was  suspended  an  angel,  to  represent  the 
announcement  of  the  birth  of  Christ. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  83 

Behind  this  gay  tree,  and  partly  concealed  among 
evergreen  boughs,  was  the  dispenser  of  the  gifts,  called 
the  Christ-child,  to  whom  Knecht  Rupert  had  given 
a  faithful  report.  Thin  drapery  was  lightly  thrown 
over  the  figure,  of  which  only  one  fair  arm  and  the 
half-averted  face  was  seen.  A  pair  of  transparent 
wings  spread  upward.  The  voice  called  Herr  Zwal- 
ler.  An  oil-skin  bag,  gayly  colored  by  Perle's  own 
hand,  a  silk  purse,  silver  shoe-buckles,  and  a  porcelain 
tobacco  pipe  upon  which  was  finely  painted  one  of 
the  favorite  sports  in  the  Fatherland,  were  the  love 
offerings  to  him. 

"  O,  honored  Herr,  thy  children  strive  thus  to  as 
sure  thee  of  their  tender  love,"  said  the  voice. 

"  And  for  thee,  good  mother,  their  industry  has 
brought  this  from  the  Fatherland." 

Dame  Zwaller  received  a  tea-pot  of  solid  silver. 
Surprise  and  happy  emotions  overcame  her  for  a  mo 
ment.  She  understood  now  why  Engle  and  Perle 
had  stored  away  their  little  earnings,  arid  why  Bar 
bara  had  denied  herself  all  new  ribbons  and  the  silk 
bodice  she  should  have  had  for  Elsie's  festival.  She 
was  moved  to  take  all  her  children  in  her  arms  at 
once  and  weep  happy  tears,  had  she  not  feared  to  as 
tonish  them  by  such  an  unwonted  show  of  affection. 
Now  it  was  too  late.  Barbara  was  called. 

"  Receive  thy  tokens  of  love.  May  thy  truth  and 
thine  unfailing  duty  be  as  bright  a  glory  in  thy  fu 
ture  home  as  in  this  !  " 

Modest  Barbara  had  not  expected  so  much  praise, 
and  was  glad  to  retreat  with  the  shower  of  beautiful 


84  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

things  that  fell  to  her  share.  Among  them  was  a 
gold  bodkin  and  chain  for  her  bodice,  and  a  pair  of 
stockings  with  tall  clocks  of  alternate  red  and  blue, 
like  Elsie's.  Then  Baltazzar  was  summoned  to  re 
ceive  a  soft  eel-skin  for  his  cue,  a  costly  china  pipe, 
and  a  chain  of  Barbara's  hair,  woven  by  herself. 
Then  the  little  ones  held  up  their  arms  for  the  treas 
ures  that  seemed  to  them  endless.  It  was  as  if  an 
angelTiad  shaken  a  tree  of  Paradise,  and  let  fall  about 
them  golden  fruit  and  all  manner  of  precious  things. 
They  were  too  elated  at  the  sight  to  hear  any  of  the 
gracious  words  of  the  Christ-child,  and  ran  away  to 
place  the  gifts  in  showy  array.  Engle  began  at  once 
to  try  his  bow  and  arrow,  making  a  target  of  any 
body's  head,  till  his  father  gave  him  a  gilded  apple 
and  sent  him  elsewhere  to  practise  his  skill  upon  it. 

Elsie  Roosevelt,  who  came  only  as  a  spectator,  was 
wholly  astonished  at  receiving  a  golden  butterfly,  so 
fine,  so  delicate,  of  so  exquisite  workmanship,  that  it 
announced  itself  foreign  and  costly.  It  conveyed  a 
doubtful  compliment,  but  she  did  not  heed  this  in  her 
desire  to  know  the  giver.  Could  he  be  Nicholas  ? 
His  countenance  betrayed  nothing.  Could  Lord 
Percy  have  bestowed  it  2  - 

"  Lisbet  alone-  can  tell  me,"  said  she,  turning  to 
Mr.  Mordaunt.  "  I  have  only  to  give  her  the  faintest 
hint,  and  she  will  pursue  it  to  the  death,  like  a  hound. 
I  need  allow  her  but  one  day,  either." 

."  Can  she  furnish  you  with  sound  evidence  ?  "  he 
asked,  with  a  smile  of  doubt. 

"  Sound  or  not,  it  is  all  one  to  her,"  added  Elsie. 


CONSTANCE   ATLMER.  85 

"  Yoa  slander  an  absent  friend,"  said  Nicholas. 

"  Tru|||  is  not  slander,"  retorted  Elsie,  turning 
away  from  him  and  devoting  all  her  smiles  and  bright 
glances  to  Mr.  Mordaunt.  At  that  moment,  Con 
stance  came  in,  divested  of  wings  and  gauze,  and  was 
led  by  Herr  Zwaller  to  the  tree  to  receive  her  share 
of  the  tokens.  A  little  box  was  placed  in  her  hand. 
She  opened  it.  Two  rings  lay  at  the  bottom.  One 
bore  the  letter  P  emblazoned  in  diamonds  ;  the  other 
was  a  coiled'  serpent  of  fine  gold,  its  ugly  head  reared, 
and  fangs  protruding  as  if  to  strike.  Its  eyes  were 
two  rubies.  Constance  stood  looking  in  the  box,  so 
silent  and  so  abstracted  that  the  curiosity  of  the  look 
ers-on  was  excited. 

"  "What  is  it  so  wonderful  ? "  cried  Elsie,  peeping 
over  her  shoulder.  "  Oh  what  a  magnificent  sparkle  ! 
Alas !  my  butterfly  is  nothing  !  "  As  Constance 
raised  her  eyes,  she  met  the  inquiring  gaze  of  Mr. 
Mordaunt. 

"  He  will  recognize  the  letter,"  she  thought,  "  and 
will  find  new  cause  to  distrust  me.  But  he  may  mis 
judge  me  if  he  chooses."  She  gave  him  the  box 
proudly,  expecting  to  see  his  face  assume  the  cold, 
haughty  look  she  had  seen  there  before,  with  less 
reason  to  provoke  it.  Instead,  he  carefully  examined 
the  two  rings,  admired  them  and  returned  them  to 
her,  smiling,  and  fixing  his  eyes  upon  hers  in  a  man 
ner  so  full  of  confidence  and  love  that  she  was  abash 
ed.  Then  she  remembered  he  had  been  to  Gravesend, 
and  Sir  Henry  must  have  told  him  of  Lord  Percy's 
false  representation. 


86  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

"  The  serpent-coil  reminds  me  of  the  story  of  the 
poisoned  ring,"  said  Mr.  Mordaunt.  "J*  should  be 
loath  to  wear  it."  Constance  looked  at  it  again.  She 
fancied  she  saw  a  choice  offered  her  of  which  the 
rings  were  emblematical.  Either  was  hateful.  She 
quietly  closed  the  box  and  replaced  it  among  the 
branches  of  the  tree. 

"  Herr  Zwaller,  I  cannot  accept  this  gift.  If  you 
know  the  donor,  yon  will  return  it  as  gently  as  you 
are  able." 

"  Not  keep  the  rings  !  Not  wear  those  diamonds ! " 
exclaimed  Elsie,  clasping  her  hands  in  her  amaze 
ment.  "  How  can  you  resist  ornamenting  your  hand 
like  a  princess  ?  " 

"  Or  like  Omanee,  Aunt  Deborah  would  say,  "  re 
turned  Constance,  smiling. 

"  Are  you  so  much  a  Puritan  ?  I  did  not  think 
it."  Then,  aside  to  Mr.  Mordaunt,  she  whispered, 
"  What  a  pity  !  "  Constance  was  quite  willing  that 
her  rejection  of  the  gift  should  be  put  upon  this 
ground.  It  would  prevent  surmises  about  the  giver. 
There  was  no  occasion  to  answer  Elsie,  for  the  Herr 
had  unfastened  from  the  tree  and  presented  to  her  a 
bow  and  quiver  filled  with  silver-tipped  arrows, 
plumed  with  the  feathers  of  the  blue-bird.  This  gave 
rise  to  proposals  to  practise  archery  early  in  the 
spring,  and  compete  for  a  prize.  Then  burgomaster 
Roosevelt  came  in,  and,  after  admiring  the  presents, 
was  persuaded  to  stay  and  join  in  the  games  that  fol 
lowed.  Even  dame  Zwaller  herself,  always  so  staid 
and  anxious,  consented  to  forget  her  dignity  and  her 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  87 

cares  on  this  "  Happy  Evening,"  and  play  at  blind- 
man's  buff.  .  The  burly  Herr  had  all  he  could  do  to 
keep  himself  out  of  the  way,  and  at  last  was  com 
pelled  to  sit  down  and  hold  up  his  fat  hands  as  a  shield 
against  the  rush  that  sometimes  threatened  to  over 
turn  him.  He  rolled  from  one  side  to  the  other  with 
laughter  at  the  poor  wight  who  chanced  to  stumble, 
and  trip  the  rest  in  full  flight  at  his  heels. 

Constance  had  escaped  till  Mr.  Mordaunt  was 
blindfolded.  Now  she  tucked  her  long  skirt  under 
her  bodice  here  and  there,  looped  her  sleeves,  and 
gathered  her  hair  into  hasty  braids,  like  Barbara's. 
She  was  captured  in  the  first  skirmish,  and  so  skilful 
ly  that  Elsie  protested  Mr.  Mordaunt  could  see,  un 
fairly.  Yet  he  was  slow  in  identifying  his  prisoner. 
Holding  her,  he  daintily  touched  her  features  and 
smoothed  her  silken  hair,  with  so  satisfied  a  smile  that 
Nicholas  Stuyvesant  was  certain  he  knew  whom  he 
held.  Constance  knew  it  to  be  a  caress  and  struggled 
to  get  free. 

u  Is  it  Mistress  Aylmer  ?  "  he  asked,  releasing  her 
and  raising  the  blindfolder. 

Just  then  the  tall  clock  slowly  tolled  nine  strokes. 
This  was  the  signal  to  disperse,  and  as  Herr  Roose 
velt  was  ready  to  go,  Elsie  decided  to  go  also.  After 
some  chatting  about  the  church  going  and  the  din 
ners  of  the  next  day,  the  guests  all  departed.  Dame 
Zwaller  immediately  put  out  the  wax-lights,  while  the 
Herr  covered  the  glowing  brands  in  ashes.  Barbara 
and  Constance  put  the  silver  tea-pot  and  the  most 
costly  of  the  presents  into  safe  hiding-places  till  the 


88  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

next  day,  when  they  were  to  be  locked  in  the  strong 
chest.  After  all  these  things  were  done,  they  went 
to  rest,  wondering  if  they  should  wake  in  time  to  hear 
the  Christmas  bells,  and  doubting  if  Engle  and  Perle 
would  open  their  eyes  soon  enough  to  sing  carols  at 
their  mother's  door.  Constance  and  Barbara  chatted 
and  laughed  long  over  the  events  of  the  evening. 
When  at  last  they  fell  asleep  in  each  other's  arms,  it 
was  for  both  a  deep,  dreamless  slumber. 

Constance  found  her  eyes  wide  open  when  the  clock 
chimed  one.  j3ome  other  sound  than  the  bell-stroke 
had  awakened  her.  The  room  was  dark  and  still. 
She  listened.  Nothing  broke  the  silence,  and  believ 
ing  her  own  fancies  alone  had  disturbed  her,  compos 
ed  herself  to  sleep.  Hark  !  what  was  that  ?  A  light 
stroke  upon  the  floor  of  the  room  below.  She  was 
not  mistaken  now.  She  leaned  upon  her  arm,  lis 
tened,  then  softly  parted  the  curtains  and  slipped 
down  from  the  lofty  bed.  Wrapping  a  shawl  about 
her,  and  thrusting  her  feet  in  slippers,  she  went  noise 
lessly  down  the  stairs.  She  hesitated  as  her  hand  was 
upon  the  latch,  but  the  sound  of  suppressed  voices 
urged  her  to  open  the  door.  She  uttered  a  cry  of 
horror.  A  tall  man  wearing  a  mask  stood  before  the 
dresser,  holding  a  light  above  him  as  if  in  search  of 
some  object.  The  mask  was  lifted.  The  upheld  light 
fell  clearly  upon  the  features — the  strongly  marked 
features  of  Lord  Percy  !  But  it  was  as  if  a  gleam  of 
lightning  had  revealed  the  face,  so  quickly  was  the 
mask  dropped  and  the  light  extinguished. 

"  Fly,  Disco  !  "  cried  he,  in  a  hoarse  voice.    At  the 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  89 

alarm,  a  person  standing  without,  fled.  The  other 
turned  to  follow,  but  sprang  back  toward  Constance. 
She  heard  the  approach  as  she  was  retreating.  "With 
a  piercing  scream,  she  bounded  up  the  stairway  and 
into  Dame  Zwaller's  chamber,  bursting  off,  at  one 
push,  the  wooden  button  that  fastened  the  door. 

"  Quick  !  Quick  !  Herr  Zwaller  !  Some  one  is  in 
the  house !  "  she  exclaimed,  in  a  terrified  voice.  Myn 
heer  was  already  upon  his  feet  and  bundling  into  his 
endless  suits  as  fast  as  he  could  in  the  dark.  Con 
stance  stood  with  her  back  against  the  door.  Poor 
Barbara  was  outside,  pushing  with  all  her  strength. 
Constance  resisted  in  an  agony  of  fear,  till  she  recog 
nized  the  voice  of  her  friend.  Then  she  gave  place  so 
suddenly,  that  both  were  nearly  thrown  to  the  floor. 

"  What  has  happened  ?  "  cried  frightened  Bar 
bara. 

"  What  is  it,  my  children  ? "  reiterated  Dame 
Zwaller,  who  stood  wrapped  in  a  blanket,  shivering 
with  cold  and  alarm.  The  clumsy  Herr  was  trying 
in  vain  to  strike  a  light  with  a  flint.  Tchick ! 
Tchick  !  but  no  spark  appeared.  He  was  too  hasty. 
Great  drops  stood  upon  his  forehead,  and  the  heart 
throbs  of  the  rest  were  almost  audible.  Tchick  ! 
Tchick  !  At  last  a  light.  This  revealed  Engle  and 
Perle  clinging  to  their  mother's  blanket,  and  too 
frightened  to  utter  a  word.  The  whole  troop  now 
cautiously  set  out  for  the  room  below — the  Herr  fore 
most,  holding  the  light  above  his  head.  Finding  no 
one  there,  they  all  ventured  in.  The  door  stood  wide 
open,  the  snow  drifting  in  from  the  stoop.  The  Herr 


90  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

closed  it,  and  raked  open  the  ashes  for  the  sake  of 
light  and  warmth. 

'll  Oh  ! "  screamed  Dame  Z  waller,  catching  sight 
of  the  strong-box,  wide  open.  "  Our  gold  is  gone  ! 
All  gone  !  Yes,"  leaning  over  it,  "  every  guilder  is 
gone !  My  heir-loom,  the  goblet ;  even  the  gold  beads* 
for  Barbara's  bridal,  which  she  has  so  hardly  earned  ; 
all  are  gone !  " 

"  The  ear-rings  too,"  said  Barbara,  in  tears. 
Constance  looked  on  confounded.  Mynheer  was 
greatly  excited.  He  searched  for  a  weapon  of  defence, 
with  intention  to  follow  the  burglars. 

"  You  can  do  nothing  alone ;  arouse  the  neigh 
bors,"  interposed  his  better  half,  frightened  lest  some 
greater  calamity  should  befall  her.  He  regarded  her 
caution  ;  he  hurried  to  the  Fort  to  give  the  alarm  to 
the  sentinels,  rapping  at  his  neighbors'  doors  and 
shouting  as  he  went  along.  But,  alas  !  it  took  them 
all  so  long  to  awake,  so  long  to  get  on  their  five  and 
twenty  garments,  so  long  to  strike  their  lights,  that 
the  nimble  miscreants  had  ample  time  to  laugh  at 
the  pursuit,  and  betake  themselves  to  a  place  of 
safety. 

Two  soldiers  from  the  Fort,  in  passing  Carl  Van 
Loot's  cabin,  heard  a  lusty  cry  for  help.  Rushing 
in,  they  found  him  stretched  upon  his  back,  bound 
hand  and  foot. 

"  What  does  this  mean  ?    Who  did  it  ? " 

*  The  number  of  beads  worn  by  a  Dutch  bride  indicated  her  in 
dustry  ;  each  one  representing  a  certain  amount  of  cloth  woven,  or 
flax  spun. 


CONSTANCE    AYL3IEK.  91 

"  Two  fellows  in  masks.  How  should  I  know  the 
villains  ?  Look  there  ! "  he  shouted,  mad  with  rage. 
His  bed  lay  in  a  confused  heap,  and  the  floor  where 
it  had  stood  was  torn  up,  exposing  an  empty  hole — 
Carl's  treasure  had  disappeared.  He  was  no  longer 
the  richest  burgher  in  New  Amsterdam.  He  was  too 
angry  to  receive  sympathy,  and  indeed  little  was 
likely  to  be  offered,  since  he  might  as  well  be  poor  as 
rich,  for  all  the  use  he  made  of  his  gold.  He  joined 
the  party  gathered  in  the  street  to  aid  in  the  pursuit, 
but  one  would  have  thought  him  an  accomplice  of 
the  burglars,  intent  upon  betraying  the  direction  of 
search,  so  loudly  did  he  boom  his  rage  through  his 
long  nose.  The  stir  and  confusion  awakened  the 
whole  city.  Some  seized  their  guns,  thinking  of  an 
Indian  attack  ;  others,  not  so  brave,  barricaded  their 
doors  and  windows,  and  waited  till  daylight  before 
venturing  out  to  learn  the  cause  of  the  tumult. 


92  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 


IX. 

DAME  ZWALLEK  stalked  about  in  her  blanket,  to 
discover  the  whole  extent  of  their  loss.  Constance 
and  Barbara  thought  of  the  Christmas  gifts,  and  went 
to  the  parlor ;  opening  a  little  door  above  the  fire 
place,  the  precious  tea-pot  and  the  dear  love-tokens 
flashed  pleasantly  in  the  light  of  their  tapers,  as  if  to 

say, 

"  We  are  all  here  ! " 

"  Ah  !  "  said  Constance,  shivering,  "  he  sought 
that  upon  the  dresser.  I  remember  how  carefully  he 
surveyed  it  when  yon  showed  it  to  Baltazzar." 

"  What  is  that  you  say  ?  Do  you  know  the  rob 
ber?  "  said  Dame  Zwaller,  looking  at  her  in  wonder. 

"  It  was  Lord  Percy !  May  God  forgive  me  if  I 
wrongly  accuse  him,  but  I  saw  his  face." 

"  Constance,  how  dare  you  say  it  ? "  sternly  re 
plied  Dame  Zwaller.  "  He  went  to  Salem  more  than 
a  week  ago.  He  could  hardly  have  arrived  there, 
much  less  return  in  that  time." 

"  That  is  true  ;  yet  I  saw  Lord  Percy  last  night." 

"  I  see'd  him  dis  yer  night !  "  whined  a  thin,  timid 
voice.  Minxey's  woolly  head  appeared  in  the  door 
way,  followed  by  old  Mable,  who  held  up  her  hands, 
and  repeated  over  and  over,  as  if  she  did  not  know 
how  to  express  her  dismay  and  sorrow, 

"  Oh,  missus  !  oh,  missus !  " 


CONSTAXCE   AYLMER.  93 

"  Did  you  see  him,  Minxey  ?  How  ?  Tell  us/' 
they  all  exclaimed.  Minxey  lapped  her  hands  under 
her  arms,  like  wings,  to  keep  them  warm  while  she 
told  her  story. 

"  I  thought  mornin'  was  broke  sure  'nuf,  an'  ran 
out  to  make  a  fire.  He  said,  '  Go  to  bed,  you  brack 
squirl ; '  so  I  ran  back,  and  while  I  was  tellin'  mammy, 
de  house  was  full  of  screams." 

"  Did  you  seo  the  man's  face,  Minxey  ?  "  asked  her 
mistress. 

"  I  'specs  I  see'd  his  back.  He  talked  English  like 
de  great  Lor'  dat  wears  laces  and  colors." 

Dame  Zwaller  reprimanded  her  sternly  for  daring 
to  speak  of  Lord  Percy,  and  sent  her  back  to  bed. 
"When  they  were  alone  again,  and  sat  by  the  fire, 
Dame  Zwaller  said,  almost  in  a  whisper, 

"  I  dare  not  think  Lord  Percy  is  only  a  robber — 
perhaps  the  leader  of  the  horde  that  has  so  long  been 
the  terror  of  the  Long  Islanders.  How  can  you  be 
lieve  it,  Constance  ?  He  is  a  nobleman,  and  a  gallant 
gentleman." 

"  He  acted  the  gay  gallant  well,"  replied  Con 
stance.  "  But  his  manner  did  not  always  befit  a  gen 
tleman,  and  sometimes  frightened  me.  I  feel  that 
he  is  an  impostor,  and  betrayed  his  true  calling  last 
night."  She  shuddered  as  she  remembered  his  woo 
ing. 

"  What  will  the  Lord  Director  say  to  that !  "  sud 
denly  exclaimed  Dame  Zwaller.  "  It  might  ruin  us  ; 
he  will  never  admit  that  he  has  been  imposed  upon, 
and  will  punish  us  for  the  scandal.  No  more  of  this ; 


94  CONSTANCE    AYLMEE. 

it  will  not  be  safe."  Barbara  looked  sad  at  this  sug 
gestion.  What  mischief  might  it  not  work  for  her 
and  Baltazzar !  tears  rolled  over  her  cheeks  at  the 
thought.  Constance  looked  at  her,  crouched  upon  a 
low  stool,  close  in  the  chimney-corner,  and  saw  the 
tears  shining  like  diamonds  in  the  firelight. 

"  Ah,  dear  Barbara,  I  am  sorry  I  have  spoken  of 
it.  Let  us  forget  it.  No  one  shall  know  it,  unless 
such  proof  comes  to  light  as  will  convince  the  Director 
himself." 

The  next  morning,  Cornelius  Dirksen  brought  an 
important  letter  on  his  return  from  Breuklyn.  Such 
a  missive  rarely  fell  into  his  hands  for  transportation, 
and  he  examined  it  with  no  little  curiosity.  It  was 
addressed  to  Constance  Aylmer.  The  immense  seal 
bore  the  Moody  coat  of  arms.  He  concluded  it  to  be 
of  importance,  for  he  was  bidden  by  the  messenger 
who  delivered  it  to  make  his  best  speed.  He  accord 
ingly  carried  it  himself  to  the  door  of  the  Zwaller's. 
A  group  of  neighbors  were  there  talking  over  last 
night's  fright  and  loss,  and  found  a  new  topic  for 
gossip  and  wonder  in  this  rare  arrival.  Constance 
broke  the  seal  with  a  trembling  hand  and  read  the 
letter,  while  the  rest  waited,  full  of  impatient  curiosity. 

"Aunt  Deborah  is  dangerously  ill,  and  wishes  me 
to  go  to  her  quickly,"  said  she,  much  agitated.  "  I 
must  set  out  immediately." 

"  Ton  cannot  go  to-day,"  said  Barbara.  "  The 
ferryman  goes  but  once  in  a  day,  and  he  has  already 
been  there." 

"He  will  be  well  paid  for  another  trip." 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  95 

"  Who  is  to  go  with  you  ? "  questioned  Dame 
Zwaller.  "  I  dare  not  let  you  go  alone." 

"  My  cousin  writes  that  a  servant  will  be  In  wait 
ing  with  horses  at  Breuklyn.  I  do  not  fear  the 
journey." 

"  It  will  be  very  late  before  you  reach  the  Hall," 
remonstrated  her  friends. 

"  And  what  can  a  young  thing  like  her  do  if  Lady 
Moody  should  die !  It  would  be  a  lonesome  happen 
ing  for  the  dear  child,"  said  Mistress  Primley,  fussing 
about  in  great  distress. 

"  Oh,  Mistress  Primley  !  "  exclaimed  Constance, 
her  eyes  filling  with  tears,  "  do  not  name  so  great  a 
misfortune.  But  if  Aunt  Deborah  should  be  long  ill, 
you  will  come,  will  you  not  ? 

"  Most  truly  I  will.  I  knew  this  morning  I  should 
soon  walk  upon  strange  ground,  for  my  foot  pricked 
sorely."  And  Mistress  Primley,  full  of  all  manner  of 
forebodings  and  condolings,  followed  Constance  up 
stairs  and  down  till  she  was  ready  to  say  her  adieus. 
Barbara  said  nothing,  but  did.  much.  She  had  gone 
to  the  inn  for  Mr.  Mordaunt  at  the  first  thought  of 
the  journey.  He  arranged  for  a  trip  with  the  ferry 
man,  and  came  to  the  Zwallers'  to  tell  Constance  he 
should  be  glad  to  go  with  her  to  Gravesend.  Her 
face  as  well  as  her  lips  thanked  him  for  the  timely 
courtesy.  Amid  the  regrets  of  all  she  took  leave,  and 
was  soon  gliding  away  from  the  landing. 

The  shores  looked  dreary  in  their  winter  dress. 
The  whirling  arms  of  the  two  windmills,  and  the 
striking  of  the  bell  of  St.  Nicholas,  were  all  that  gave 


96  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

life  to  the  receding  town.  A  single  sloop  lay  at 
anchor  in  the  bay,  and  a  few  boats  were  moored  near 
the  shore  or  lay  keels  upward  on  the  beach.  The 
Long  Island  shore  rose  thickly  wooded.  A  few 
patches  of  brown  earth  could  be  seen  on  the  low  white 
hills  that  had  been  cleared,  showing  that  the  sun  was 
not  powerless  even  in  these  short  days.  While  Con 
stance  was  glancing  at  the  long  shore  line  before  her, 
a  canoe  shot  out  from  a  sheltered  cove  and  moved 
swiftly  over  the  water. 

"  It  comes  like  an  arrow  out  of  its  hiding-place," 
said  she,  watching  it. 

"  The  fellow  will  soon  reach  the  other  shore  with 
those  strokes,"  said  Mr.  Mordaunt.  "  See  !  the  boat 
fairly  leaps.  Who  is  it,  Dirksen  ?  " 

"An  Indian  water-dog,"  growled  the  ferryman. 
Now  the  rower  turned  in  a  smooth  curve  and  was 
passing  across  the  track  of  their  own  boat. 

"  That  is  Hihoudi,  the  brother  of  Omanee.  You 
— ."  Whatever  else  the  ferryman  would  have  said  was 
cut  short  by  something  falling  at  their  feet,  evidently 
thrown  by  the  passing  Indian,  yet  so  quickly  that  no 
one  perceived  the  movement.  Mr.  Mordaunt  picked 
up  a  piece  of  smooth  bark  having  figures  rudely  stained 
upon  it.  Cornelius  Dirksen  saw  it  and  turned  away, 
muttering, 

"  I  always  heard  Injuns  were  devils.  I  believe  it 
now.  ]$To  honest  man  could  have  tossed  that  without 
my  seeing  him.  It  is  one  of  his  cursed  charms." 

"  It  has  a  meaning,"  remarked  Mordaunt.  "  Indians 
often  carry  tidings  thus.  See  him  yonder,  rowing  as 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  97 

swiftly  as  if  his  errand  were  not  done !  "  Constance 
looked.  He  was  skimming  over  the  water  like  a  bird. 
She  examined  the  bark  again  with  interest. 

"  That  is  intended  for  an  uplifted  hand.  But 
what  is  this  red  figure  ?  And  what  does  the  figure  of 
a  canoe  mean  ?  " 

"  The  hand  must  mean  danger,  and  the  canoe 
haste,"  su'ggested  Mordaunt. 

"  Ah,  that  is  it.  It  warns  me  to  go  quickly  to 
Aunt  Deborah.  She  must  be  very,  very  ill,"  said 
Constance,  vainly  longing  to  transport  herself  instantly 
to  the  bedside  of  her  aunt.  Mordaunt  sat  quietly 
questioning  with  himself  why  Hihoudi  had  need  of 
stratagem.  It  was  evident  that  he  wished  to  avoid 
observation  from  the  shore.  But  what  occasion  was 
there  for  mystery  in  the  tidings  of  Lady  Moody 's  ill 
ness?  The  red  symbol  too,  what  did  it  mean?  It 
had  an  ugly  look.  Mordaunt  expressed  nothing  how 
ever  of  his  surmises,  and  waited  patiently  till  they 
reached  the  lauding. 

"  That  copper-skinned  imp  did  not  sink  us  with 
his  charm.  I  hope  it  bodes  no  ill  to  your  journey," 
said  the  ferryman,  shaking  himself  as  he  leaped  out 
on  the  shore,  and  whistling  his  satisfaction. 

"  Shall  I  leave  it  in  the  boat,  Dirksen  ? " 

"  Not  there  ! "  cried  he,  frowning.  "  Throw  it  to 
the  fishes,  if  it  please  you,  though  it  may  breed  a 
storm,"  But  Mordaunt  stowed  it  in  his  capacious 
coat-pocket,  greatly  to  the  Dutchman's  amazement, 
and  followed  Constance  up  the  hill.  They  found,  as 
had  been  promised,  a  servant  and  two  horses  waiting. 


98  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

"  How  long  have  you  served  at  the  Hall  ?  "  asked 
Constance,  surprised  at  seeing  a  stranger  in  charge 
of  her  favorite  Lightfoot. 

"  A  fortnight  yesterday,  my  lady,  since  I  went  to 
the  Hall.  Sir  Henry  bade  me  fetch  you  in  haste,  and 
Bent  your  own  horse  for  your  riding.  It  is  a  high- 
mettled  creature,  my  lady." 

"  How  is  Lady  Moody  ?    Is  she  very  ill  ?•" 

"  Hose  told  me  she  is  like  to  die."  Constance  was 
much  agitated. 

"  Let  us  make  haste.  But  stop !  we  must  have  an 
other  horse,"  she  said,  turning  to  Mr.  Mordaunt,  who 
stood  watching  the  man  Rupert.  The  latter  did  not 
seem  pleased  with  the  scrutiny,  and  busied  himself  in 
a  restless  way,  adjusting  the  saddle  while  answering 
his  questioner. 

"  Sir  Henry  said  nothing  about  any  gentleman  I 
was  to  fetch.  I  have  brought  only  two  horses,"  said 
he,  doggedly. 

"  Go  ask  Hans  Jasmin,  in  the  new  house  you  see. 
Tell  him  we  desire  to  go  to  Lady  Moody,  and  he  will 
not  refuse,"  commanded  Constance,  impatient  to  begin 
the  journey. 

"He  has  no  horse  tit  to  ride,  I  heard  him  say 
a  while  since,  he  is  going  to  Gravesend  to-morrow 
with  his  wagon.  The  gentleman  could  ride  with 
him." 

"  Precisely  what  you  can  do  yourself,"  returned 
Mordaunt,  sternly.  Rupert  stammered  angrily, 

"  What !  lose  my  place,  Sir  ?  I  must  obey  orders, 
Sir.  I  was  bid  to  come  for  the  lady,  Sir,  and  bring 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  99 

her  safe  to  the  door."  He  spoke  in  a  more  respectful 
tone  as  he  finished,  for  he  was  somewhat  cowed  hy 
the  cool  suspicion  and  threatening  looks  with  which 
Mordaunt  eyed  him.  Constance  interposed  a  bright 
tli  ought. 

"  A  pillion  !  "  she  exclaimed,  smiling.  Fleetfoot 
is  strong,  and  can  bear  us  both.  Go  now,  Rupert, 
quickly  to  the  same  Hans  and  ask  the  favor.  Go  in 
stantly  !  "  she  repeated,  seeing  him  reluctant. 

"  I  dislike  him,"  said  she,  when  he  had  gone.  u  I 
will  tell  my  cousin  as  much.  Why  could  not  Peter 
or  Mingo  have  served  me  as  well  ?  They  are  slow. 
Doubtless  that  was  the  reason."  Mordaunt  answered 
nothing.  He  looked  as  if  about  to  speak ;  but  not 
wishing  to  alarm  her,  held  his  peace.  She,  with  a 
confiding  smile,  said  frankly, 

"I  am  glad  you  are  to  go  with  me.  I  shall  feel 
quite  safe." 

"  Thank  you,"  he  replied,  only  too  happy  to  pro 
tect  her  from  all  harm. 

The  pillion  was  obtained,  and  both  soon  mounted 
and  set  out,  much  to  the  chagrin  of  Rupert,  who 
averred  that  gentlefolks  never  rode  in  that  plebeian 
fashion,  and  followed  them  in  sullen  humor.  The 
whole  party  were  silent  while  they  picked  their  way 
along  the  rough  and  muddy  road.  They  travelled 
thus  for  an  hour,  when  the  road  struck  into  a  forest, 
which  closely  bordered  the  way  a  long  distance. 
Mordaunt  seemed  impatient  to  get  through  the 
dreary  route,  and  urged  Fleetfoot  to  a  quick  pace. 
Rupert  grumbled,  and  at  last  spoke  aloud. 


100  CONSTANCE  ATLMEK. 

"  Sir  Henry  will  take  it  amiss  that  I  have  ridden 
the  horses  fast  over  these  bad  roads." 

"I  am  responsible.  Be  silent,  fellow,  and  fall 
back,"  commanded  Mordaunt,  harshly.  He  obeyed, 
and  kept  at  a  respectful  distance.  A  little  later,  he 
gave  a  long,  sharp  whistle.  A  similar  shrill  sound 
came  from  the  depths  of  the  valley  they  were  just 
entering. 

"  Was  that  an  echo  ? "  asked  Constance,  "  or  a 
reply  to  Rupert  ? " 

"  A  reply.  There  are  persons  waiting  for  us  in 
the  valley  with  evil  intent.  Now  sit  firmly,  and  do 
not  be  frightened.  Hold  your  arm  fast  about  me, 
and  be  prepared  for  Fleetfoot's  spring  or  sudden 
curveting  when  we  reach  them.  Have  courage,  my 
precious  Constance."  Those  last  words  caught  her 
ear  even  in  the  terror  of  the  moment.  They  assured 
her  how  devotedly  he  would  protect  her  in  any  event. 
Hitherto  not  a  suspicion  had  entered  her  mind  as  to 
the  nature  of  the  danger  for  which  Mordaunt  had 
been  on  a  keen  look-out  all  along  the  way.  Now  she 
saw  two  persons  emerge  from  the  woods,  and  walk 
along  the  roadside  toward  them.  One  was  tall, 
broad-shouldered,  powerful.  Constance  fastened  her 
eyes  upon  him  with  a  feeling  of  horror  stealing  over 
her.  A  dreadful  thought  occurred  to  her.  Threats 
flashed  upon  her  memory.  The  two  rings  hung  be 
fore  her  eyes.  She  clung  to  Mordaunt  with  both 
arms.  They  approached  within  a  few  yards  of  the 
men. 

"  Now,  my  beloved,  courage ! "  whispered  Mor- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  101 

daunt;  and  instantly,  with  whip  and  spur  and  tightly 
drawn  rein,  he  caused  Fleetfoot  to  leap  in  the  very 
faces  of  the  armed  men,  who  were  crying, 

"  Stop  !  stop !  "  One  was  thrown  to  the  ground. 
The  other,  in  whom  Mordaunt  instantly  recognized 
Lord  Percy,  reeled,  but  recovered  himself,  and,  cursing 
with  rage,  fired  after  Fleetfoot,  who  had  dashed  past 
and  was  speeding  away  like  the  wind. 

"  Follow  them,  Rupert !  Fire  upon  them  !  Knock 
the  horse  under ! "  shouted  he  in  a  hoarse  voice.  He 
disappeared  among  the  trees,  and  soon  came  crushing 
through  the  underbrush,  mounted  on  a  heavy  horse. 
Rupert  was  already  clattering  fast  after  the  fugitives. 
He  fired.  A  sharp  whiz  went  by  them. 

"  What  was  that  ?  "  Constance  exclaimed. 

"  A  bullet.  I  will  return  the  villain's  compli 
ment."  Still  urging  Fleetfoot  forward,  he  turned  and 
aiming  a  small  pistol,  sent  a  ball  through  Rupert's  hat. 
It  served  to  check  his  speed,  for  he  had  not  counted 
upon  so  well-directed  a  retort. 

"  Fire  again !  Fire  again  !  "  cried  Constance. 
"  Lord  Percy  is  coming  !  " 

"  I  cannot.  I  have  neither  ball  norpowrder.  Fleet- 
foot  must  outspeed  them."  He  turned  again  to  see 
their  chances.  Neither  of  the  pursuers  were  fitly 
mounted.  They  had  not  expected  the  necessity. 

"  Their  clumsy  horses  will  soon  fail.  We  shall  be 
out  of  reach  of  bullets  in  another  minute  ;  "  and  re 
newing  the  whip  and  spur,  they  plunged  on  till  the 
forest  was  passed  and  the  road  lay  between  open  fields. 
Mordaunt  lessened  their  speed  but  slightly,  as  some 


102  CONSTANCE   ATLMEK. 

miles  yet  lay  between  them  and  Gravesend.  He 
hoped  also  to  give  the  alarm  before  Lord  Percy  could 
escape  from  the  neighborhood.  Neither  he  nor  Ru 
pert  were  now  visible. 

"  You  are  exhausted,  Constance,''*  said  Mordaunt. 
"  Let  me  place  you  in  front  of  the  saddle,  and  you  can 
lean  upon  me." 

"  Hoj  I  am  strong,  very  strong." 

"  Only  because  you  are  intensely  excited.  It  is 
best  for  you  to  change  position.  " 

"  Not  yet !  Oh,  ride  on !  They  may  pursue  us  by 
some  cross-path."  On  they  went  for  one  or  two  miles. 
Then  Mordaunt  insisted  upon  a  change.  Dismount 
ing,  he  moved  the  saddle  and  lifted  Constance  in  front, 
and  in  a  few  moments  resumed  the  flight,  he  clasping 
one  arm  about  her  and  causing  her  to  rest  her  head 
upon  his  shoulder.  It  was  a  doubly  precious  weight 
to  him  now.  It  was  rest  to  her,  and  gave  her  a  pro 
found  sense  of  safety.  Both  were  silent.  It  grew 
dark  slowly,  and  then  the  stars  came  out  clear  and 
twinkling.  By  and  by  objects  grew  familiar.  A 
small  Dutch  village  came  and  went ;  the  bridge  that 
everybody  feared  would  cause  a  mishap,  yet  which 
nobody  mended,  rattled  under  the  horse's  hoofs  ;  the 
great  white  oak  spread  its  arm  over  them  for  a  mo 
ment,  and  then  receded  like  a  shadow.  A  little  farther, 
and  the  welcome  sight  of  the  palisades  and  thatched 
roofs  of  Gravesend,  was  before  them.  Constance  was 
grateful  that  home  was  BO  near,  for  she  felt  her 
strength  failing. 

"  Be  brave  a  little  longer,"  said  Mordaunt  tender- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  103 

ly.  And  now  Fleetfoot  bounded  to  the  gateway.  Dis 
mounting,  Mordaunt  lifted  Constance  in  his  arms  and 
carried  her  to  the  door. 

"  Pray  set  me  down.  I  am  not  faint,  I  am  only 
very  tired,"  she  urged. 

"  ]STo  ;  I  shall  carry  you." 

By  this  time  the  door  was  flung  wide  open,  and 
Sir  Henry  stood  holding  a  light  and  peering  out  at 
the  comers.  Lady  Moody  approached  behind  him, 
attracted,  as  he  had  been,  by  the  quick  clatter  of  hoofs, 
the  sudden  check  at  the  gateway,  and  the  sound  of 
voices. 

"  There  is  Aunt  Deborah  !  She  is  not  sick !  How 
glad  I  am ! " 

"  Just  as  I  surmised,"  added  Mordaunt. 

"  You,  Mordaunt  ?  And  you,  Constance  ?  What 
has  befallen  you  ?  What  does  this  mean  ?  Is  Con 
stance  hurt  ? " 

"No,  dear  friends;  only  tired,  and  he  is  deter 
mined  to  carry  me."  Her  voice  was  hoarse  and  unnat 
ural,  so  that  Lady  Moody 's  anxiety  was  not  appeased 
by  her  cheerful  reply.  Mordaunt  placed  her  gently 
in  an  easy-chair  in  the  Library. 

"  She  has  just  escaped  Lord  Percy's  clutches,"  said 
he.  "  He  and  his  minions  waylaid  us  on  the  road 
through  the  woods.  Thanks  to  Fleetfoot,  she  is  safe." 

"  Do  you  say  Lord  Percy  attacked  you  ?  Are  you 
in  your  senses  ?  Where  did  you  get  Fleetfoot  ? "  ques 
tioned  Sir  Henry,  profoundly  surprised  at  the  whole 
affair. 

"  Your  new  servant  waited  with  him  at  the  ferry. 


104  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

Did  you  not  send  him  ?  Did  you  not  write  me  that 
Aunt  Deborah  was  very  ill,  and  bid  me  haste  ?  "  asked 
Constance. 

"  Zounds  !  I  know  nothing  about  it.  You  speak 
riddles." 

"  Come,  friend,  we  will  explain  afterward.  First 
let  Fleetfoot  be  cared  for.  I  have  pressed  him  hard, 
and  lie  carried  us  both  nobly.  Let  us  rouse  the  villagers, 
and  hunt  these  outlaws."  The  two  went  out  together 
to  get  fresh  horses  for  the  pursuit,  and  messengers 
were  sent  to  form  a  party  to  accompany  them  at  the 
earliest  possible  moment. 

Lady  Moody  had  given  Constance  restoratives,  and 
ordered  tea  to  be  served  immediately  in  the  Library. 
She  urged  her  to  rest  quietly  till  tea  was  brought 
in. 

"  I  cannot  rest,  dear  aunt.  It  was  such  a  cruel 
ruse  to  tell  me  you  were  dying.  I  should  have  come 
alone,  and  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  that  despe 
rate  man,  but  for  Mr.  Mordaunt." 

"  Thank  God,  my  daughter,  for  sending  him  to 
thee  !  But  I  doubt  if  thou  art  in  thy  right  senses  to 
speak  thus  of  Lord  Percy." 

"  He  robbed  Herr  Zwaller  of  all  his  gold  last  night. 
Even  poor  Barbara's  beads  are  gone." 

"  Constance  !"  exclaimed  Lady  Moody.  "  How 
can  this  be  true  ?  " 

"  I  saw  his  face  unmasked.  For  Dame  Zwaller's 
sake,  I  should  not  have  told  even  you,  but  to-day's 
crime  will  convince  the  Director." 

Sir  Henry  and  Mr.  Mordaunt  came  in  to  partake 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  105 

s 

hastily  of  some  refreshments,  while  waiting  for  the 
villagers. 

"Mingo  tells  me,"  said  the  former  to  his  mother, 
"  that  some  one  came  for  Fleetfoot  yesterday." 

"  Margaret  Haller  sent  for  him  to  visit  a  friend. 
I  knew  he  would  bear  her  gently,  and  the  ride  would 
be  a  wholesome  medicine  for  her,"  explained  Lady 
Moody. 

"  A  clever  knave  manufactured  that  message.  It 
must  have  been  Rupert  himself,"  said  Mordaunt. 
"  ISTow  I  bethink  myself,  here  is  a  message  that  an 
Indian  tossed  into  the  ferry-boat.  Can  you  read 
hieroglyphics  ? "  He  drew  forth  the  piece  of  bark, 
and  gave  it  to  Sir  Henry. 

"  Pity  you  should  walk  into  the  lion's  month  with 
this  warning  in  your  hand  !  "  said  he,  drily.  "  The 
red  figure  means  a  lover,  the  uplifted  hand,  intended 
harm.  The  white  spot  represents  one  day,  or  this  day. 
The  other  symbol  represents  a  boat ;  meaning  possibly, 
that  the  lover  was  to  bear  Constance  away  in  a  boat." 

"  Henry,  does  thee  remember  hearing  yesterday 
of  a  sloop  near  Coney  Island  ?  May  not  that  be  the 
retreat  of  these  men  ? "  Mordaunt  and  Sir  Henry 
looked  meaningly  at  each  other.  Their  thought  was 
simultaneous — to  direct  the  pursuit  thither. 

"  We  have  no  time  to  lose.  Let  us  be  off,"  said 
Sir  Henry,  drawing  on  a  fustian  doublet.  "  Our 
townsmen  will  be  forthcoming  while  we  mount." 

"  Tell  me  first,  my  cousin,  how  your  seal  could 
have  been  thus  imitated,"  urged  Constance,  giving 
him  the  letter  of  yesterday. 
5* 


106  CONSTANCE    A.YLMEB. 

"The  seal  itself  stamped  that!"  he  exclaimed. 
"  I  have  searched  in  vain  for  it.  Have  we  a  dishonest 
servant  ? "  His  face  flushed,  as  he  looked  inquiringly 
at  his  mother. 

"There  is  not  one  that  I  should  permit  thee  to 
charge  with  theft,"  remonstrated  Lady  Moody,  firmly. 

"  Aunt  Deborah,  nothing  is  beneath  Lord  Percy's 
stooping.  Remember  my  alarm  when  he  was  here 
with  the  Director.  "Was  it  not  he  who  walked  with 
stealthy  steps  through  the  halls  at  midnight  ?  Did  he 
not  come  hither  and  relight  the  fire  ?  " 

"It  is  true,  my  daughter.  It  was  no  fancy  of 
thine." 

"  "What  a  scoundrel !  To  insult  thus  our  hospi 
tality  !  A  viper !  "  cried  Sir  Henry,  stamping  with 
rage.  He  turned  upon  his  heel,  went  out,  and  flung 
himself  upon  a  horse,  not  waiting  for  Mordaunt  to 
overtake  him,  that  he  might  hasten  the  slow-coming 
villagers.  At  last  they  all  set  out  together  towards 
Coney  Island. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  10Y 


X. 

THE  party  returned  the  next  morning,  unsuccess 
ful.  They  had  learned  however,  from  a  fisherman, 
that  about  midnight  two  boats  had  put  off  for  0 the 
sloop,  with  five  men  and  an  Indian  girl.  They  had 
forced  him  to  carry  a  light  to  the  shore  and  aid  them 
in  loading  one  of  the  boats  with  boxes,  which  weighed 
amazingly  heavy  for  their  small  size.  His  description 
of  the  men  left  no  doubt  that  Lord  Percy  was  of  the 
number,  and  the  mantle  worn  by  the  girl  could  have 
belonged  to  no  other  than  Omanee.  Sir  Henry  could 
not  contain  his  rage  at  having  so  narrowly  missed 
them. 

"  There  is  no  end  to  that  pirate's  deviltry ! "  he 
cried.  "But  the  bold  fellow  shall  be  caught  yet. 
Let  us  go  to  New  Amsterdam,  charter  whatever  craft 
we  can  find,  and  hunt  out  the  dogs.  They  will  take 
shelter  in  some  cove,  haply.  "We  can  find  cavaliers 
enough  for  the  adventure.  "What  say  you,  Mordaunt  ? " 

"I  am  at  your  service,"  was  the  reply.  "But 
hold,  I  have  been  in  the  saddle  many  hours,  besides 
patrolling  the  streets  of  ISTew  Amsterdam  a  good 
portion  of  last  night.  I  will  back  to  the  Hall  for  rest, 
and  join  you  by  night  at  Metje  "Wessell's  inn.  You 
will  not  be  in  readiness  for  sailing  till  to-morrow." 

This  being  agreed  upon,  Mordaunt  returned  to  the 
Hall.  The  news  he  brought  pained  Lady  Moody  even 


108  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

more  than  all  that  had  already  occurred..  She  knew 
that  lyano  had  negotiated  for  Omanee  to  grace  his 
own  lodge,  and  she  felt  an  affection  for  the  artless  and 
half-tamed  girl. 

"  Oh,  missus,"  exclaimed  Mingo,  overhearing  the 
facts  as  he  stood  warming  himself  before  the  broad 
blaze  on  the  kitchen  hearth,  "  oh,  missus,  I  snuffed 
dat  ar.  Dat  gemman  in  de  fine  close  a  prowlin'  in 
de  'woods  like  a  roarin'  lion — 'twan't  for  no  good. 
I'se  sure  she'd  run  away  wid  dat  ar." 

"  "Why  did  thee  not  tell  me,  Mingo  ? "  asked  Lady 
Moody,  reproachfully. 

"You  see,  missus,  I  make  it  de  great  principle 
neber  to  meddle  in  de  course  ob  true  love." 

"  Thee  should  have  told  me,"  she  repeated, 
sadly. 

"  Next  time  I  will,  sure,  missus,"  said  he,  ready 
to  tear  the  wool  from  his  head  for  his  woful  mistake. 
He  was  glad  to  do  his  part  toward  repairing  the 
mischief,  by  preparing  the  horses  for  Mr.  Mordaunt's 
journey  to  Breuklyn  after  dinner,  whither  he  was  to 
accompany  him. 

Constance  arose  very  late,  and  spent  the  little  that 
remained  of  the  morning  in  busy  idleness.  She  was 
winding  gay-colored  silk  from  a  small  wheel,  when 
Mr.  Mordaunt  came  in  with  a  pleasant  good-morning, 
and  many  inquiries  for  her  health,  after  the  fatigue 
and  fear  of  yesterday.  He  told  her  of  his  adventures 
last  night,  of  the  renewed  pursuit  proposed  by  Sir 
Henry,  and  his  intention  to  join  in  it. 

"  But  I  cannot  go,"  said  he,  "  till  you  forgive  my 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEE.  109 

foolish  misunderstandings,  and  the  unkind  resent 
ments  that  have  been  so  ungallantly  manifest." 

"  You  recall  what  I  should  have  forgotten,"  re 
turned  Constance,  bending  over  her  work. 

"  Then  I  caused  you  no  pain,"  said  he,  coldly,  at 
the  same  time  closely  watching  her  face.  He  saw 
the  rose-color  deepen  in  her  cheeks,  and  her  fingers 
tangling  the  silken  thread  into  hopeless  knots. 

"  Is  it  not  painful  to  be  always  misunderstood  ? " 
she  asked,  timidly  lifting  her  eyes. 

"  Tes,  if  by  one  you  love,"  he  replied,  with  a  look 
full  of  tender  inquiry.  She  bent  her  head  quickly 
over  the  tangled  knot.  Mordaunt  came  near  and 
took  the  thread  from  her  fingers. 

"  Leave  it,"  said  he.  "  Listen  to  me  now.  Till 
within  a  few  days,  I  thought  you  were  to  become  the 
wife  of  Lord  Percy.  1  believed  his  title  attracted 
you.  Can  you  forgive  me  that  I  could  impute  to  you 
so  base  a  motive  ?  Believe  me,  jealousy  alone  dis 
torted  all  your  conduct.  And  where  jealousy  is,  love 
is.  My  great  love  for  you  is  my  only  apology.  Are 
you  indifferent  to  this  ? "  He  stood  there  intensely 
agitated,  waiting  her  answer.  She  had  no  voice  to 
speak.  Her  heart  beat  violently.  She  could  not 
make  her  lips  say  what  her  thoughts  were  asserting. 

"  You  are  offended,"  said  Mr.  Mordaunt.  "  I  have 
presumed  too  much." 

"  Oh,  no !  "  said  Constance,  extending  her  hand  and 
venturing  one  look,  so  glowing,  yet  so  timid  that 
Mord  aunt's  heart  bounded  within  him  at  the  possible 
realization  of  his  hopes.  He  sat  down  beside  her, 


110  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

and  drew  her  toward  him.  She  hid  her  face  upon  his 
breast. 

"  Not  a  word  for  me  yet,  to  complete  my  happi 
ness  ? "  said  he.  She  attempted  to  speak,  and  burst 
into  tears.  Mordatmt  could  not  understand  this. 
He  smoothed  her  hair  with  gentle  strokes — the  silken 
hair  he  had  so  longed  to  touch  ;  he  tenderly  kissed 
the  forehead  he  had  often  looked  upon  as  so  fair  and 
sacred.  It  soothed  her.  Composing  herself,  she 
looked  up  at  last  with  a  smile  full  of  contentment,  and 
said  softly, 

"  I  am  too  happy.     That  is  all." 

Mordaunt  thought  her  never  so  bewitchingly  lovely 
as  at  this  moment.  Her  eyelashes,  still  glistening 
with  tears,  modestly  shadowed  her  cheek,  and  dimples 
chased  about  her  sweet  mouth  with  the  agitation  of 
her  new  happiness. 

"  I  am  not  worthy  of  you,  Constance,"  said  he 
sadly,  with  a  sudden  sense  of  the  sacred  trust  that  he 
had  called  forth — the  soul-absorbing  first  love  of  a 
pure,  high-minded  girl.  He  spoke  truly.  He  was 
not  worthy.  Selfish,  exacting,  jealous,  he  should 
never  have  found  a  place  in  her  heart.  But  the  veil 
of  love  was  thrown  over  it  all,  and  transformed  him 
in  her  eyes.  Through  it  she  worshipped  an  ideal,  and 
dreamed  her  ideal  was  Mordaunt. 

An  hour  passed  sweetly.  Few  such  hours  come  in 
a  lifetime.  Many,  many  days  were  to  pass  before 
they  would  come  again  to  Constance.  Mordaunt 
made  his  final  preparations  to  go  in  a  dreamy  kind 
of  confusion;  he  dined  hastily,  not  knowing  if  he 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  Ill 

ate  mortal  bread  or  not,  and  went  away  with  a  fare 
well  kiss  to  Constance,  saying  with  supreme  happi 
ness  to  Lady  Moody, 

"  She  has  given  me  the  right ! "  Aunt  Deborah 
was  not  ignorant.  She  had  graciously  consented  to 
his  seeking  that  right,  four  days  ago. 

In  the  evening  of  the  day  of  his  departure,  Lady 
Moody  and  Constance  sat  talking  by  the  fireside — 
Constance  upon  a  footstool  at  the  feet  of  her  aunt. 
As  her  eyes  followed  the  lines  of  her  revered  face, 
she  thought  how  fresh,  smooth,  and  fair  it  was.  There 
were  sunny  wrinkles  like  rays  diverging  from  the 
corners  of  her  eyes,  and  furrows  in  her  cheeks  where 
smiles  loved  to  run  to  and  fro.  Her  hair  was  per 
fectly  parted,  and  smoothed  back  in  plain  bands  under 
a  close-fitting  lace  cap.  Its  filmy  border  lent  delicacy 
to  her  still  fine  complexion.  Altogether  there  was 
an  exalted,  refined,  pure  look,  wholly  different  from 
the  melancholy  resignation  of  Dame  Roosevelt's  pale 
face,  or  the  placid  good-nature  of  Mistress  Primley's 
round  visage.  But  to-night  the  shadow  of  a  subdued 
trouble  was  upon  her  countenance.  She  was  deeply 
anxious  for  Omanee. 

"  I  have  not  instructed  her  as  I  ought.  I  have  no 
excuse,"  said  she,  sadly. 

Constance  looked  up,  wondering  how  she  could 
find  reason  for  self-reproach — she  who  was  so  patient, 
so  tenderly  thoughtful  of  others — who  lived  not  for 
herself.  It  was  upon  her  lips  to  say  this  to  her  aunt, 
when  a  low  exclamation  behind  them  caused  both  to 
start  with  alarm. 


112  CONSTANCE  ATLMEE. 

"Ah!  lyano,"  said  Lady  Moody,  as  she  turned 
and  arose,  "  thee  is  so  still  of  foot,  I  did  not  hear 
thee  enter.  Does  thee  bring  better  news  of  Omanee  ? " 
His  lip  and  nostril  curled  with  scorn  and  pride. 

"  lyano  knows  nothing.  Sunny-eye  chose  the 
pale-face.  She  may  go." 

As  Constance  glanced  at  the  piercing  eye,  the 
fine  face,  and  athletic  figure  of  the  Indian,  she  be 
lieved  it  impossible  that  Omanee  could  have  preferred 
Lord  Percy. 

"  It  could  not  have  been  her  choice  to  go,"  she 
said,  shaking  her  head  slowly,  while  her  eyes  were 
fixed  sorrowfully  on  lyano.  "  Can  you  not  go  in  the 
ship,  and  save  her  ?  bring  her  back  ?  " 

"  The  brave  will  not  have  the  bird  if  he  must  clip 
the  wings,"  he  replied,  sadly. 

"  Thee  must  think  kindly  of  her,  friend,  till  thee 
knows  her  story." 

"  The  serpent  will  hold  the  bird,"  was  the  fierce 
reply.  "  lyano  will  not  seek  it.  The  good  mother 
no  seek  it."  He  stood  silent  a  moment,  then,  with 
hatred  firing  his  eyes,  he  continued, 

"The  mother  of  the  Inglis  has  power  over  her 
people.  She  talks  to  the  Great  Spirit,  and  He  hears. 
He  will  destroy  them,  if  she  says  it.  The  mother  can 
tell  her  Manitou  to  kill  the  serpent  that  has  stung 
lyano." 

He  gazed  at  Lady  Moody  so  fiercely,  that  for  a 
moment  she  was  at  a  loss.  She  pressed  her  hand 
over  her  eyes,  then  motioning  lyano  to  sit  down,  she 
took  from  a  table  a  large  copy  of  the  Scriptures,  bound 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  113 

in  thick  vellum,  and  fastened  with  an  iron  clasp, 
lyano  looked  at  it  with  superstitious  awe  ;  he  be 
lieved  she  was  about  to  exercise  some  wonderful 
power  by  means  of  it.  The  fire  of  gratified  vengeance 
lighted  his  face. 

"  Friend,"  said  Lady  Moody,  "  I  am  not  a  proph 
etess,  as  thee  seems  to  think ;  neither  can  I  entreat 
the  death  of  him  who  has  injured  thee.  Thee  must 
wait  God's  time.  Here  is  his  message — listen,  lyano: 
'Yengeance  is  mine,  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord. 
Therefore,  if  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him  ;  if  he 
thirst,  give  him  drink  ;  for  in  so  doing,  thou  shalt 
heap  coals  of  fire  on  his  head.'  ' 

This  was  read  slowly  and  distinctly.  lyano  did 
not  fail  to  catch  the  meaning ;  he  looked  disappoint 
ed. 

"  lyano  does  not  hear !  "  was  his  laconic  an 
swer. 

"  Friend,  thee  can  hear  better  when  thee  is  not 
angry.  Thee  desired  me  to  ask  the  Lord  concerning 
thine  enemy,  and  I  have  read  what  he  says.  Ed- 
gardo  Percy  cannot  go  unpunished ;  God  will  snare 
him  in  his  own  net." 

lyano's  face  was  less  sullen.  With  another  fierce 
glance,  he  asked, 

"  Did  the  Great  Spirit  speak  again  to  the  mother? 
Will  He  slay  the  Inglis?" 

Lady  Moody  arose  and  placed  the  open  volume  on 
his  knee. 

"  Read  it  for  thyself,  friend." 

He  glanced  full  of  awe  down  the  sacred  page, 


114  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

much  puzzled  at  the  mysterious  characters  inscribed 
upon  it. 

"  It  does  not  speak  to  lyano,"  said  he. 

"Neither  does  it  speak  to  my  ears,"  returned 
Lady  Moody.  "  It  talks  to  my  eyes.  Now,  if  thee 
will  have  it  talk  to  thine  eyes,  thee  can  come 
every  day,  and  I  will  teach  thee.  It  will  tell  thee 
what  to  do  when  thee  has  sorrow.  It  will  tell  thee 
what  manner  of  man  thou  art,  and  how  to  live  for 
ever." 

lyano  had  learned  to  place  implicit  trust  in  all 
that  Lady  Moody  said,  and  now  the  suggestion  that 
this  book  would  always  tell  him  what  to  do,  and  tell 
him  how  to  escape  death,  as  he  understood  it,  awa 
kened  strange  hopes  of  attaining  even  more  than  a 
conjuror's  power.  He  sat  pondering  a  few  moments, 
and  then,  as  if  it  was  too  much  for  his  credulity, 
pushed  the  book  from  him,  rose  suddenly,  drew  his 
wolf-skin  about  him,  and  stalked  out  of  the  room, 
much  as  a  white  man,  indignant  at  an  insult,  might 
have  done. 

"  Is  he  angry  ? "  questioned  Constance,  who  had 
watched  him  with  the  anxious  fear  that  he  might 
tomahawk  either,  or  both,  for  vengeance. 

"  Nay ;  thee  will  get  used  to  his  rude  ways.  He 
will  come  back  another  time.  If  I  am  away,  thee 
must  not  fail  to  tell  him  more  of  the  Sacred  Word ; 
his  interest  is  awakened." 

"  I  am  afraid  of  him,"  said  Constance.  "  Perhaps 
Omanee  was  afraid,  but  she  might  well  have  feared 
Lord  Percy  far  more." 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  115 

"  His  gay  ribbons  pleased  her.  He  was  gallantly 
dressed,  as  tliee  knows,  and  the  wits  of  the  poor  In 
dian  girl  were  no  harder  to  turn  than  many  a  civilized 
damsel  who  should  be  wiser." 


116  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 


XI. 

WHEN  Mr.  Mordaimt  reached  New  Amsterdam, 
he  found  it  alive  with  excitement  and  preparation  for 
the  expedition.  The  large  schooner,  "  White  Duck," 
was  being  made  ready  to  sail  the  next  day,  and 
although  it  was  not  a  strong  craft,  Sir  Henry  hoped 
that  somehow  the  spirit  of  the  adventurers  would 
make  up  all  that  was  lacking  in  it.  At  all  events,  he 
was  strong-headed,  and  determined  to  go  even  against 
wind  and  tide.  Burgomaster  Zwaller  and  Herr 
Roosevelt  were  enlisted,  and  four  soldiers  from  the. 
Fort,  a  schepen,  and  a  few  other  citizens  were  to  make 
up  the  party.  Carl  Yan  Loot  refused  to  go ;  he  was 
willing  enough  that  others  should  regain  his  lost 
fortune,  if  they  could,  but  he  had  not  courage  to  risk 
either  the  dangers  of  the  coast,  or  an  encounter  with 
the  pirate  ship.  Nicholas  Stuyyesant  held  back, 
strangely  enough  ;  he  was  pale  and  silent  since  the 
first  news  of  the  robbery,  so  that  there  was  not  a  little 
raillery  at  his  expense.  He  promised  that  either  he 
or  Baltazzar  should  go  in  the  schooner,  and  went  out 
in  the  afternoon  to  the  bowery,  to  consult  with  his 
brother.  Baltazzar  was  struck  with  his  haggard 
looks. 

"What  is  in  the  wind  now,  Nicholas? "  said  he, 
leaving  his  work,  and  entering  the  farm-house  with 
him.  They  sat  down  in  a  retired  office,  rough  with 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEB.  117 

rubbish,  and  disorderly  with  papers  and  account- 
books.  Nicholas  closed  the  door. 

"  The  townsfolk  are  manning  a  schooner  to  pursue 
Lord  Percy.  He  has  been  traced  to  Coney  Island. 
I  cannot  go.  You  must  go  in  my  stead,  Baltazzar." 

"  Nick,  you  are  not  a  coward,  but  there  is  some 
thing  in  this  affair  that  gives  you  the  look  of  a  pol 
troon.  Now  out  with  it;  you  know  you  can  trust 
me." 

"Well,  Bal,  that  man  and  I  have  been  close  com 
panions  since  he  came.  We  have  been  friends.  I 
can't  hunt  him  down  now  like  a  wild  beast."  Nich 
olas  sat  uneasily,  and  trembled.  His  brother  eyed 
him  anxiously,  and  after  a  little  silence,  he  said,  in  a 
tone  of  doubt, 

"  That  is  not  all,  Nick." 

Nicholas  remained  silent,  his  eyes  cast  down,  and 
his  face  irresolute.  At  last  he  gave  way. 

"  You  are  right ;  I  have  not  told  you  the  worst," 
said  he,  with  impetuous  feeling ;  "  it  is  through  me 
you  have  all  been  robbed.  I  have  betrayed  my  friends 
into  his  hands  ;  but,  God  knows,  I  did  it  ignorantly. 
I  have  been  nattered,  fooled,  cajoled,  intoxicated.  I 
have  been  the  tool  of  Lord  Percy.  All  the  money  I 
borrowed  of  you  is  in  his  hands ;  I  have  gambled  it 
away.  It  was  only  by  the  merest  chance  that  he  did 
not  obtain  the  city  treasure,  and  even  rob  my  father. 
It  is  I  who  told  him  every  thing;  he  would  know,  like 

v  O 

a  prating  fool.     Bah !  I  trusted  him  like  a  woman. 
I  am  deceived,  betrayed,  and  thrown  to  the  devil !  " 
"  Why  then  are  you  not  ready  to  throw  yourself 


118  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

into  battle  with  the  villain  ? "  cried  Baltazzar,  wiping 
the  perspiration  from  his  brow. 

"  No,  the  remembrance  of  my  folly  sickens  me.  I 
am  too  filled  with  shame.  I  wish  to  hide  myself,  lest 
I  betray  to  others  what  I  have  told  you.  I  would  fly 
to  Holland,  if  I  could." 

"  Pity  you  cannot !  You  might  find  something 
there  better  than  mischief  for  your  idle  hands  to  do," 
said  Baltazzar,  with  bitterness.  He  was  wearied  with 
helping  the  wayward  youth  out  of  the  miseries  that 
continually  befell  him,  and  of  shielding  him  from  the 
anger  of  his  father.  "  You  have  involved  me  more 
seriously  than  ever,"  he  continued.  "I  told  you  I 
should  require  the  money  loaned  you,  in  three  months, 
for  the  payment  of  stock  already  shipped  from  Hol 
land.  Herr  Zwaller's  loss  will  interfere  too  with  my 
marriage,  for  his  dame  is  too  proud  to  give  Barbara 
away  without  a  handsome  dowry.  You  have  abused 
a  too  indulgent  brother." 

Nicholas  sat  like  a  statue.  He  knew  all  that  Bal 
tazzar  said  was  true.  Could  he  count  upon  his  good 
ness  any  longer  ?  He  wanted  one  more  sacrifice  from 
him.  He  wished  him  to  leave  Barbara,  and  risk  this 
venturesome  expedition  in  the  old  schooner,  and 
encounter  the  fugitive  desperadoes,  all  for  the  sake  of 
shielding  him.  Still  he  sat  silent,  and  crushed  by  his 
brother's  rebuke.  Baltazzar  saw  it,  pitied  him,  and 
yearned  to  draw  him  from  the  cloud  that  rested  upon 
him.  They  talked  long  and  sorrowfully  of  all  the 
evil  influences  that  had  surrounded  him  the  past  few 
months. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  119 

"  Perhaps  this  scrape  may  bring  you  to  your 
senses,"  said  Baltazzar,  when  they  had  recalled  every 
thing.  "  It  may  make  a  man  of  yon,  Nick.  Yes,  I 
will  go  in  your  place,  and  you  can  stay  here  and  man 
age  the  bowery  till  I  return.  When  I  come  back,  I 
will  talk  over  that  windmill  business  with  the  Gov 
ernor,  and  see  if  you  cannot  run  it.  Better  do  that 
than  dress  like  a  thieving  courtier,  and  go  to  cock 
fights  and  races!"  Baltazzar  started  to  his  feet. 
"  When  does  the  schooner  sail  ? "  said  he. 

"  To-morrow  morning." 

"  No  time  to  lose,  then." 

"Bal,"  cried  Nicholas,  rising  quickly  and  placing 
his  hands  on  his  brother's  shoulders,  "  count  me  no 
longer  a  scapegrace  and  spendthrift.  I  cannot  make 
Herr  Zwaller's  losses  good,  but  I  will  return  your  loan 
if  I  have  to  work  like  a  dog.  I  pledge  my  honor." 

"  Well,  well,  never  mind  the  money,  so  only  you 
turn  yourself  into  a  solid  man,"  said  Baltazzar,  turn 
ing  away  to  hide  the  moisture  in  his  eyes.  They  went 
out  together  to  make  arrangements  for  his  absence, 
and  soon  afterward  Baltazzar  was  on  his  way  to  the 
town. 

Early  the  next  morning,  the  schooner  sailed  away 
amidst  the  hearty  cheers  of  the  lookers-on  along  the 
shore,  if  the  tender-hearted  women  be  excepted.  They 
waved  gay  colored  handkerchiefs  one  moment,  and  the 
next,  had  them  buried  close  under  their  hoods  to  hide 
their  tears,  for  they  knew  very  well,  notwithstanding 
the  brave  cheers,  that  the  husbands  and  brothers  might 
never  return.  Mistress  Primley  strove  to  console 


120  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

Barbara,  by  telling  her  she  was  just  as  sorry  as  if  her 
own  lover  was  going  away,  never  to  come  back.  Dame 
Zwaller  was  silent,  and  climbed  up  the  snowy  road 
back  to  the  house,  when  they  had  gone.  She  worked 
all  that  day  and  the  next,  and  the  next,  with  greater 
energy  than  ever,  and  kept  up  such  a  din  with  scour 
ing,  sweeping,  and  spinning,  that  she  nor  anybody 
else  could  get  time  to  talk  of  the  absent  ones.  Lisbet 
came  in  with  her  wheel  to  chat.  She  sat  all  by  her 
self  for  some  time,  and  then  went  in  search  of  the 
dame,  whom  she  found  in  the  loft  stuffing  a  feather 
bed.  Minxey,  who  had  turned  somersaults  behind  her 
mistress'  back,  stood  in  the  midst,  the  white  down 
waving  tremulously  on  her  woolly  head,  and  stiffer 
feathers  standing  upright  upon  it.  She  showed  a  fair 
row  of  teeth  when  Lisbet  opened  the  door  and  shut 
it  quickly  again,  exclaiming  as  loudly  as  Dame  Zwal 
ler,  at  the  intrusion.  Lisbet  retreated,  picked  the 
downy  bunches  from  her  hair  and  eyelashes,  took  up 
her  wheel,  and  tripped  away  down  to  Dame  Roose 
velt's. 

When  Elsie  spied  her  coming  along  the  road,  she 
left  her  household  occupations  for  her  mother  to  finish, 
as  usual,  and  hastened  to  welcome  Lisbet.  She  threw 
open  the  door,  and,  with  many  mock  courtesies,  pro 
tested  her  delight  at  seeing  her  "  dear  budget  of 
news."  When  the  little  tumult  was  over,  and  both 
were  fairly  seated  at  their  spinning,  Elsie  looked  up 
with  a  roguish  twinkle  and  asked, 

"  Why  not  begin  ? " 

"  Begin  what  ? "  innocently  asked  Lisbet. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  121 

"  The  news,  of  course.  You  are  longing  to  tell  me, 
and  I  am  like  the  -weather-vane  on  Hansen's  gable 
yonder,  wriggling  every  way  to  catch  a  steady  breeze 
of  gossip.  So  begin."  Lisbet  colored  slightly,  and 
looked  oifended. 

"  I  do  not  gossip ;  I  came  to  listen  to  you.  Though 
you  may  be  ever  so  ill-natured,  you  raise  one's  spirits. 
I  stopped  at  Mistress  Primley's,  but  she  was  nodding 
over  an  old  tabby  cat  purring  in  her  lap.  Then  I 
went  to  Dame  Zwailer's,  but,  dear  me  !  she  was  floun 
dering  among  feathers ;  and  Barbara  and  old  Mabel 
made  such  a  thumping,  weaving  counterpanes,  when 
every  body  knows  they"  already  have  more  than 
enough,  that  I  could  no  better  hear  my  own  footsteps 
than  if  I  had  been  a  ghost." 

"  Is  not  Barbara  trying  to  earn  a  new  set  of  beads  ? 
Ah  me  !  If  I  do  not  get  married  till  I  can  count  my 
beads,  I  must  stay  always  Elsie  Roosevelt.  When  is 
Barbara  to  be  wedded  ? " 

"Who  knows,  now  that  the  treasure  is  gone? 
Dame  Zwaller  is  too  proud  to  give  her  away  without 
her  weight  in  gold.  Mistress  Aylmer's  wedding  will 
come  first." 

"  How  do  yon  kno.w  ? " 

"Mistress  Primley  says  she  is  betrothed  to* the 
English  cavalier  who  was  here  Christmas  eve,"  quietly 
answered  Lisbet,  closely  eyeing  Elsie's  face. 

"  I   do   not   believe   it ! "   exclaimed   Elsie,  with 

warmth.     "  It  is  not  two  weeks  since  you  declared 

her  the  expected  bride  of  Lord  Percy.     I  wonder  if 

she  is  to  have  Nicholas  too  ?  "     She  jerked  the  wheel 

6 


122  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

as  she  spoke,  and  her  thread  snapped.  She  attempted 
to  join  it. 

"  Fie  ! "  she  exclaimed,  angrily,  "  I  never  can  spin 
smoothly.  There !  "  and  she  caught  up  the  rolls  of 
flax,  and  sent  them  flying  overhead  and  across  the 
room.  Leaving  them  where  they  alighted,  she  seated 
herself  upon  the  floor  before  the  fire  and  sat  looking 
into  it,  while  Lisbet  laughed  and  continued  her  gos 
sip.  They  wondered  together  where  the  schooner 
might  be,  and  what  success  the  gallant  adventurers 
had  met.  Dame  Roosevelt  came  in  with  the  long 
blue  stockings  she  was  always  knitting,  patiently 
gathered  up  the  scattered  flax,  and  added  her  sur 
mises  to  the  rest.  Lisbet  staid  till  after  tea.  When 
ready  to  go,  she  noticed  how  suddenly  the  wind  had 
risen.  Hurrying  on  her  mufflers,  and  catching  up 
her  wheel,  she  hastened  away,  calling  back  from  the 
door, 

"  How  cold  it  is !  How  the  wind  blows !  "  and 
sped  home,  half  carried  by  the  force  of  the  gale. 

The  wind  moaned  and  wailed  all  that  night, 
shaking  doors  and  windows  as  if  with  a  strong  hand  ; 
whirling  into  the  wide  chimneys,  or  whistling  lament 
able  cries  around  the  steep  gables.  Sleet  \yas  driven 
in  long  ghostly  columns  up  the  streets,  coating  the 
roofs  and  steps  with  ice,  and  sheathing  the  trees  in 
glassy  armor  that  rattled  dolefully  in  the  wind. 
People  stayed  by  their  own  hearths  the  next  day,  and 
gathered  close  around  the  fire  to  escape  the  chilling 
currents  of  air  pouring  through  every  crevice.  The 
gloomy  day  was  more  dismal  yet,  for  the  sad  fore- 


CONSTANCE   ATLMER.  123 

bodings  of  the  fate  of  the  absent  friends.  Nothing 
else  was  talked  of. 

The  Gravesend  people  shared  in  the  anxiety. 
Lady  Moody  alone  seemed  cheerful  and  hopeful. 

"  They  have  gone  upon  an  errand  of  justice  and 
mercy,  and  I  believe  the  Lord  will  return  them 
safely,"  said  she. 

"Every  one  frets  but  you,  Aunt  Deborah.  My 
heart  sinks  with  fear;  for  does  not  God  sometimes 
permit  misfortune  to  fall  even  upon  those  who  are 
doing  good  ? " 

"  In  any  event,  the  will  of  God  is  supremely  the 
best,"  was  the  reply.  "  Thee  will  never  find  a  kinder, 
wiser,  or  stronger  arm  to  rely  upon  than  that  of  the 
Almighty.  Leave  thy  friends  in  his  care,  and  thee 
will  roll  off  that  load  that  weighs  upon  thy  heart." 

"  I  try,  but  the  fear  remains." 

"  Because  thee  does  not  truly  believe.  My  pre 
cious  child,  when  thee  has  given  thyself  and  all  thou 
hast  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  thee  will  understand  me. 
Now,  thine  own  poor  human  strength  is  thy  support. 
It  will  fail  thee  in  time  of  need.  Remember  what  I 
say." 

Fear  was  lessened,  and  hope  began  to  rise  in  the 
hearts  of  all  when  the  next  morning  opened  clear  and 
mild.  It  was  impossible  to  resist  the  cheery  influence 
of  the  sun,  yet  the  day  seemed  long  to  those  who 
looked  yearningly  out  upon  the  bay  to  descry  the 
sails  that  nowhere  appeared.  Constance  thought 
every  passing  horseman  a  messenger,  and  every  foot 
fall  the  coming  of  tidings  ;  and  at  last,  wearied  with 


124  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

the  springing  heart-beats  and  the  sinking  back  into 
disappointment,  applied  herself  industriously  to  work 
away  the  dragging  hours.  Toward  evening  a  mes 
senger  came,  but  not  such  as  she  looked  for.  It  was 
lyano,  who  came  in  unannounced,  while  she  and  her 
aunt  were  busily  but  silently  at  work. 

"  Does  thee  bring  tidings  of  the  '  White  Duck  '  ?  " 
asked  Lady  Moody,  quickly. 

"lyano  knows  nothing.  The  Great  Spirit  sent 
Omanee  to  her  people." 

"  Has  she  come?  "  cried  Constance.  Lady  Moody, 
pushing  back  her  chair,  said, 

"  Tell  us.     How  was  she  returned  to  thee  ?  " 

"  The  winds  and  the  waters  fought  the  ship,  and 
beat  and  tore  it.  lyano  saw  it  fly  to  the  rocks,  and 
he  was  glad.  He  watched  while  the  day  slept,  and 
listened  to  the  talk  of  the  waves.  They  said,  '  Omanee 
is  coming.'  When  the  day  awoke,  they  said,  '  We 
give  her  to  lyano.'  " 

He  was  silent  and  downcast.  Constance  had  lis 
tened  with  breathless  anxiety,  hoping  one  moment, 
fearing  the  next.  When  lie  paused,  she  gazed  at  him, 
waiting  for  him  to  speak  again  ;  then  advancing  timid 
ly,  laid  her  hand  upon  his  arm  and  almost  whispered, 

"  Is  Omanee  dead  ? " 

"  Omanee  sleeps  with  her  people.  Enough."  There 
was  no  sign  of  grief  in  his  face,  except  that  it  lacked 
the  fire  and  energy  she  had  noted  before,  and  there 
was  a  nerveless  lassitude  in  his  figure  that  told  of  suf 
fering.  Constance  saw  it.  She  burst  into  tears.  Lady 
Moody  sighed  deeply,  and  said. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  125 

"  God  knows  best,  friend.  It  may  bring  a  pre 
cious  blessing  to  tliee." 

lyano  drew  something  from  his  wampum  belt. 

"  The  white  man's  gift  cannot  go' with  Omanee," 
said  he,  scornfully.  It  swung  upon  his  finger,  and  then 
he  flung  it  upon  the  table.  It  was  a  necklace  of  gold 
beads. 

"  Barbara's  beads  !  "  cried  Constance.  "  How 
happy  she  will  be !  But  poor  Omanee !  were  these 
upon  her  neck  ?  "  lyano  assented,  and  turned  to  go. 
Lady  Moody  detained  him. 

"  I  have  somewhat  to  tell  thee.  Will  thee  listen  ? " 
He  folded  his  arms  in  respectful  silence,  while  she 
told  him  of  the  eternity  to  which  Omanee  had  gone, 
and  of  the  Saviour.  She  read  from  the  Scriptures,  and 
explained  simply  the  passages  she  wished  most  to  im 
press  on  his  mind.  She  promised  to  tell  him  more,  as 
often  as  he  would  come.  He  deigned  no  reply;  and 
went  away  with  an  indifference  that  would  have  dis 
couraged  any  but  his  patient  friend. 


126  CONSTANCE    AYLMKK. 


XII. 

"  DAME  ZWALLEK.  liave  you  heard  the  news  ?  "  cried 
little  Lisbet,  rushing  into  the  kitchen  without  cere 
mony.  Dame  Zwaller  rested  the  churn-dasher  a  mo 
ment,  hut,  upon  second  thought,  did  not  believe  Lis- 
bet's  stories,  and  splashed  it  quickly  again  into  the 
thick,  yellow  cream. 

"  The  ship  is  coining,"  rattled  on  the  gossiper,  "  and 
they  must  have  Lord  Percy  in  irons,  and  all  the  treas 
ure  safe.  Run,  Barbara,  for  your  hood,  and  we  will  go 
with  all  the  town  to  the  landing."  The  busy  dame  did 
not  believe  the  story,  and  it  was  only  by  dint  of  pulling 
her  by  the  gown,  that  Lisbet  urged  her  to  the  gate, 
where  she  could  see  with  her  own  eyes  the  unusual 
stir  down  the  street  by  the  water-gate.  Then  Lisbet 
and  Barbara  hurried  away,  and  the  housewife  return 
ed  to  her  churning. 

"  The  ship  will  sail  none  the  faster  if  I  stand 
watching  it,  and  the  butter  will  spoil  if  I  leave  it," 
said  she,  plying  the  dasher  with  energy.  In  due  time 
she  ladled  up  great  golden  lumps,  drained  and  patted 
them  into  a  solid  roll,  and  then  sent  Minxey  for  her 
quilted  cap  and  cloak.  A  little  later,  she  was  on  her 
way  to  join  her  neighbors  at  the  landing.  There 
was  the  ship,  just  arrived  ;  ragged,  battered,  disman 
tled.  The  crew  had  given  no  answering  cheers  to  the 
lusty  welcome  from  the  shore,  but,  as  they  landed,  hag- 


COXSTANCK    AYLAIER.  127 

gard  and  worn,  thanked  God  they  were  safe  at  home 
once  more.  No  prisoners.  No  gold.  Both  were 
beyond  reach  now.  The  pirates  were  doubtless  in  a 
stronger  prison  than  Holland  could  have  given  them, 
for  the  same  storm  from  which  this  lorn  crew  had  es 
caped,  cast  the  sloop  upon  the  rocks.  The  returned 
found  loving  greetings.  Even  Barbara  forgot  that  she 
stood  on  the  landing  when  she  saw  Baltazzar,  held 
out  her  arms  to  welcome  him,  and  returned  his  joyous 
kiss. 

"  Give  thanks,  my  heart,  that  you  see  me  alive 
and  whole.  Mordaunt  has  not  fared  so  well.  His  leg 
is  broken.  I  go  to  fetch  a  litter  for  him." 

Lisbet  stood  by  and  heard  this.  Away  she  ran 
to  Elsie  Roosevelt. 

"  Elsie !  "  cried  she,  panting,  "  that  handsome  Eng 
lishman  has  broken  his  leg  quite  off,  and  will  have  to 
hobble  like  the  Director  the  rest  of  his  days.  What  a 
pity  such  a  fine  gentleman  should  be  spoiled !  How 
pale  you  look  !  What  is  the  matter,  Elsie  ?  " 

"  Nothing ;  I'm  not  pale,"  was  the  sharp  reply, 
and  she  reddened  with  anger  at  the  k§en  glance  that 
had  read  her  through  and  through.  Happily  her 
father  espied  her  at  the  moment.  Without  waiting 
to  allow  a  daughterly  welcome,  he  shouted, 

"  Run,  Elsie,  and  make  a  room  ready  for  Mr.  Mor 
daunt.  Be  quick,  now !  " 

Elsie  obeyed  this  command  with  novel  readiness. 
She  frightened  her  mother  with  the  sudden  order, 
and  went  to  work  so  vigorously  herself  that  the  good 
mother  paused  in  her  hasty  plans  to  wonder.  The 


128  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

parlor  was  opened,  a  bed  was  put  up  in  the  roomiest 
corner ;  a  generous  fire  displaced  the  holly  branches  on 
the  hearth ;  an  ample  square  chair,  stuffed  to  portli 
ness,  stood  near  the  bed.  These  arrangements  were 
scarcely  finished  when  Mr.  Mordaunt  was  brought  in. 
Elsie  was  shocked  at  his  altered  countenance.  Its 
pallor  suggested  death,  and  she  went  away  and  wept. 

"There,  Mordaunt,  you  could  not  be  in  better 
hands,  save  in  my  blessed  mother's,"  said  Sir  Henry 
Moody,  when  his  friend  was  safely  deposited  in  the 
pleasant  quarters.  "  Dame  Roosevelt  is  a  famous 
nurse.  Keep  quiet,  and  your  bones  will  mend  with 
good  speed.  I'll  warrant  the  setting."  This  service 
he  had  performed  himself,  at  the  time  of  the  accident ; 
and  now,  with  the  surgeon's  authority,  he  cleared  the 
room  of  all  lookers-on,  and  left  him  to  Dame  Roose 
velt's  care,  promising  to  return  for  messages  before 
leaving  for  Gravesend. 

The  people  at  the  landing  went  to  their  homes,  or 
to  Metje  Wessell's  inn,  to  talk  over  the  expedition. 
The  Zwallers  had  hardly  reached  their  homestead, 
when  a  messenger  arrived  from  Gravesend  with  a 
package  for  the  good  dame.  She  opened  the  carefully 
sealed  wrapper,  then  a  box,  and  lo  !  within  lay  coiled 
the  lost  gold  beads. 

"  Oh  ! "  shouted  every  voice,  one  after  another, 
"  Barbara's  beads  !  Barbara's  beads  have  come  back 
again ! " 

The  mother  held  them  up  tremblingly  before  the 
Herr,  too  overjoyed  to  utter  a  word,  while  he  stared 
as  if  he  could  not  believe  his  senses.  Then  he  threw 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  129 

back  his  head  and  laughed  till  his  face  grew  as  red 
as  the  tassel  on  Engle's  cap. 

"  Think  of  their  getting  home  before  us,  after  all. 
I  believe  nobody  but  a  witch  on  a  broomstick  carried 
them  off.  Eh  !  "  said  he,  turning  to  Barbara,  who 
stood  with  her  hands  clasped  tightly,  and  her  face 
shining  with  joy,  "  eh,  Barbara,  we'll  have  the  wed 
ding." 

"]N\D  wedding  without  a  dowry,"  interrupted 
Dame  Zwaller,  dropping  the  beads  into  the  palm  of 
her  hand.  "  It  will  be  many  a  year  before  so  much 
gold  is  locked  in  the  strong  box  again.  My  looms 
and  wheels  will  be  worn  out  before  the  good  day 
comes  when  we  are  rich  again." 

"  Bless  me !  "  cried  the  Herr,  "  haven't  we  a  fine 
house  and  plenty  to  eat  and  drink,  miles  of  wood  to 
keep  us  warm,  and  counterpanes  and  feather-beds 
and  bodices  and  petticoats,  and  linsey-woolsey  enough 
to  cover  a  whole  troop  of  grandchildren !  And  here 
am  I,  home  again,  alive  and  whole,  and  here  is  brave 
young  Engle  and  my  round  little  Perle — who  cares 
for  the  lost  guilders  ?  Ho  !  "  shouted  he,  catching 
up  Ferle  and  tossing  her  till  her  flaxen  curls  touched 
the  wall  overhead.  He  sung  snatches  of  jubilant 
student-songs  till  out  of  breath,  and  then  went  to  the 
chimney-corner,  filled  his  pipe,  and  sat  down  to  soothe 
his  excitement  in  its  sleepy  fumes.  Dame  Zwaller 
smiled,  in  spite  of  her  sorrowful  regrets.  Chancing 
to  look  again  in  the  box  from  which  she  had  drawn 
forth  the  necklace,  she  saw  a  note  lying  at  the  bot 
tom.  Barbara  read  it.  It  contained  the  unhappy 
6* 


130  CONSTAXCE   AYLMER. 

story  of  Omauee  aud  lyano.  Barbara  sighed  as  she 
dropped  the  note  in  the  box.  and  asked  her  mother 
to  keep  it  with  the  beads.  The  Herr  anathematized 
Lord  Percy  between  his  teeth,  and  puffed  more  vig 
orously. 

"  The  most  wonderful  thing  of  all,"  said  Dame 
Z  waller,  "is,  that  an  Indian  should  have  brought  back 
gold." 

a  Lady  Moody  has  taught  him,"  said  mynheer, 
significantly  nodding  his  head.  "  Doubtless  we  might 
find  lyanos  in  our  woods,  if  we  dealt  as  fairly  with 
them." 

"  There  may  be  wrong  at  somebody's  door,  but  not 
at  mine.  I  have  had  no  dealings  with  them,"  frown 
ed  the  thrifty  housewife,  who  truly  never  gave  a 
thought  to  the  heathen  beyond  her  door,  or  such  as 
chanced  within  it,  except  to  be  watchful  of  their  pil 
fering  fingers.  It  never  occurred  to  her  that  there 
might  be  another  way  of  wronging  them  than  to 
drive  hard  bargains.  So  she  closed  the  box  tightly, 
tied  it  securely,  and  put  it  away  for  safe-keeping  till 
the  day  when  it  would  be  needed  for  the  bridal. 
Mynheer  watched  her  with  a  pleased  look  for  the  hap 
piness  thus  restored  to  Barbara.  Presently  a  mis 
chievous  twinkle  shone  in  his  eyes.  He  called  loudly 
for  Minxey. 

"Run,  Snow-ball !  Bid  vrow  Lisbet  to  come  this 
way  as  fast  as  her  two  feet  can  carry  her."  He 
chuckled  as  Minxey  darted  out  of  the  door  before  her 
mistress  could  forbid,  and  when  Lisbet  arrived,  all 
out  of  breath  with  the  sudden  summons,  he  rubbed 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEK.  131 

his  hands  in  a  delighted  way,  drew  a  chair  to  the 
hearth,  and  bade  her  be  seated.  Dame  Zwaller 
stalked  out  of  the  room,  vexed  at  the  gossiper's  ar 
rival. 

"  Have  you  heard  what  has  happened  to  us  ? " 
queried  he,  looking  drolly  at  her.  "  Lord  Percy  has 
sent  Barbara  a  wedding  present !  Chut !  chut !  let  me 
tell  it,"  said  he,  noticing  Barbara's  parting  lips.  But 
instead  of  telling  any  more,  he  sat  quite  still  and 
smoked  his  pipe.  After  a  little  silence,  he  added, 

"  It  is  all  of  gold,  solid  gold  1 " 

"  He  can  afford  it,  after  robbing  you  of  all  your 
guilders,"  said  Lisbet,  impatiently. 

"  But  it  is  worth  more  than  all  the  guilders,"  re 
turned  the  Herr,  smiling  graciously  at  Barbara,  whose 
lips  opened  again  to  speak.  "  Chut !  chut !  keep 
silence,  child." 

"  Where  is  it  ? "  asked  Lisbet. 

"  You  shall  see  it  at  the  wedding." 

"  When  may  that  be  ?  "  she  queried,  in  surprise. 

"  When  Domine  Megapolensis  says  the  ceremony." 

"  I  do  not  believe  a  word  you  are  telling  me,"  said 
Lisbet,  rising  to  go,  yet  seeing  in  Barbara's  face 'that 
her  father's  story  was  not  all  a  fable. 

"  Very  well,  go,"  retorted  the  Herr,  c;  you  will 
find  it  true  one  day."  And  he  would  not  tell  her 
another  word,  but  sat  smiling  and  purring  in  the 
chimney  corner  as  contentedly  as  if  a  fortune  had 
fallen  to  him.  Lisbet  might  have  lingered  longer,  had 
not  Dame  Zwaller  come  in  frowning,  and  sharper 
than  ever  at  the  exasperating  sight  of  the  Herr's  happy 


132  CONSTANCE   AYLMEIt. 

face,  when  he  knew  very  well  how  long  and  hard 
they  must  labor  to  recover  from  their  loss.  Lisbet 
was  afraid  of  Dame  Zwaller's  sharp  words,  and  went 
away  sorely  puzzled  at  what  she  had  just  heard. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  133 


XIII. 

EDWARD  MOKDAUNT  recovered  slowly.  Nearly 
four  weeks  had  passed,  and  he  was  only  able  to  sit  in 
the  stuffed  chair,  his  limb  supported  upon  an  ingenious 
fixture  contrived  by  Nicholas  Stuyvesant.  Poor 
Nicholas  secretly  accused  himself  for  all  the  mis 
fortunes  that  had  befallen  his  friends,  and  made  all 
the  amends  possible.  He  had  watched  Mordaunt 
through  the  feverish  nights  of  his  earliest  illness,  had 
been  thoughtful  of  many  comforts  and  beguilements 
for  the  long  hours,  and  had  not  only  taken  care  that 
his  notes  and  messages  to  Gravesend  were  faithfully 
transmitted,  but  more  than  once  went  himself,  to 
gratify  the  whim  of  the  invalid. 

And  where  was  Constance  all  this  time?  The 
short,  but  violent  illness  of  Sir  Henry  after  the  voyage, 
followed  by  a  painful  and  longer  sickness  of  Lady 
Moody,  had  required  her  continued  presence  at  the 
Hall.  But  her  thoughts  winged  at  all  times  to  Herr 
Roosevelt's  little  parlor,  and  lingered  with  the  invalid 
there.  She  sent  him  tempting  jellies  and  confections, 
the  newest  book  from  England,  and  the  sweetest 
of  notes.  But  all  this  did  not  satisfy  him.  He 
hungered  to  see  her,  to  hear  her  voice,  and,  not  least, 
he  wished  to  scold  her,  to  show  her  that  he  was 
irritated  because  she  Jiad  not  chosen  to  neglect  all  for 
him.  So  he  was  cross  to  Nicholas,  he  was  ungrateful 


134  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

to  Dame  Roosevelt.  Elsie  alone  could  bring  him 
cheerfulness,  with  her  saucy  ways  and  coquettish 
graces.  At  first  he  was  amused,  and  then  interested 
in  studying  her  character  and  testing  her  heart. 
Vexed  at  Constance's  continued  absence,  he  revenged 
himself  by  securing  all  that  was  possible  of  Elsie's 
time  and  thoughts.  "When  Dame  Roosevelt  came 
with  her  knitting,  he  begged  that  Elsie  might  come 
also.  Then  he  kept  her  as  long  as  possible,  telling 
her  of  his  travels  in  distant  lauds,  and  spun  out  long 
stories  which  had  to  be  finished  while  the  good  mother 
went  to  superintend  the  dinner.  This,  with  the 
dainty  compliments  he  cunningly  wove  into  his  say 
ings,  was  fast  casting  a  spell  over  her.  It  was  easy 
and  delightful  to  perform  every  possible  service  for 
this  handsome  cavalier,  and  jnst  as  pleasing  to  with 
hold  them  when  it  suited  Elsie  to  try  the  sincerity  of 
his  admiration.  She  called  him  selfish,  cross ;  and 
sometimes  went  away  a  whole  afternoon,  or  sat  in  the 
next  room  and  sung  cheerily  at  her  wheel,  that  he 
might  know  she  cared  not  a  whit  for  his  comfort. 
When  she  came  back,  she  made  him  own  that  lie  was 
ill-natured,  ungenerous,  and  guilty  of  a  whole  catalogue 
of  sins,  and  was  exceedingly  sorry,  till  he  was  forced 
to  laugh  at  his  ludicrous  helplessness.  She  catechised 
him  ;  she  made  love  in  mockery ;  she  held  court,  in 
which  she  declared  herself  both  judge  and  jury  and 
he  the  culprit,  always  found  guilty.  She  was  wilful, 
wayward,  gay ;  pouted  and  laughed  in  the  same 
minute ;  sung  for  him,  petted  him.  scolded  him,  all  in 
a  manner  which  charmed  him,  and  beguiled  the  hours 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  135 

and  days.  Dame  Roosevelt  was  bewildered  with  her 
audacious  way  of  entertaining  a  gentleman  of  his 
degree,  and  often  called  out,  "  Elsie !  Elsie ! "  in  a 
reproachful  voice. 

"  Leave  her  alone,"  Mordaunt  would  say,  with  a 
smile  that  said  plainly  to  Elsie,  '""she  pleases  me." 
Then  she  would  flash  back  a  smile  that  said,  "  Thank 
you  ;  you  understand  me." 

Mordaunt  could  not  but  discover  the  interest  fast 
awaking  in  his  behalf.  It  was  not  difficult  to  read 
her  face,  or  to  interpret  her  various  moods.  He  en 
joyed  the  discovery  that  he  could  torment  her,  in 
return  for  her  vagaries ;  half  seriously,  half  in  play, 
he  flirted  with  the  gay  coquette,  who  he  assured  him 
self  was  not  one  to  pine  and  sigh  and  die  of  a  broken 
heart.  He  did  not  care  to  arrest  the  tender  interest 
now. 

At  last  Lady  Moody  recovered  so  far,  that  Con 
stance  could  contentedly  leave  her  for  two  or  three 
days.  Nicholas  Stuyvesant,  still  eager  to  serve  Mor 
daunt,  came  for  her  and  attended  her  safely  to  Dame 
Zwaller's.  She  was  presently  on  the  way  to  Herr 
Roosevelt's  with  a  beating  heart.  She  had  not  seen 
Mordaunt  since  that  day  of  sweet  plighting.  It 
seemed  like  a  dream,  and  she  was  half  afraid  she  had 
only  dreamed  it.  How  she  longed  to  see  him  again, 
to  be  under  the  spell  of  his  eyes,  to  feel  the  magnet 
ism  of  his  presence,  to  hear  him  speak  to  her  tenderly 
and  reassure  her  of  his  love !  How  much  she  intended 
to  tell  him !  Every  day  she  had  stored  away  some 
precious  thought  of  him,  had  seen  or  read  something 


136  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

which  he  must  see,  till  she  had  accumulated  a  heart- 
ful  that  must  be  told  sitting  beside  him,  with  her  hand 
trustfully  in  his.  She  had  gone  over  this  first  visit  in 
imagination  many,  Hiany  times,  and  now  that  its  reali 
zation  was  near,  her  heart  fluttered  so  that  she  could 
scarcely  command  her  voice,  to  return  the  greetings 
that  met  her  when  she  entered.  There  sat  the  Herr 
by  the  fireside,  there  stood  Dame  Roosevelt  with  the 
never-failing  blue  stocking,  there  was  Elsie,  bathing 
Mordaunt's  brow  with  her  pretty  hands,  and  there  sat 
the  ever-present  Lisbet,  chirruping  her  chick-a-de-dee 
of  gossip.  Constance  was  abashed.  She  walked 
straight  to  Mr.  Mordaunt,  thinking  a  hundred  thoughts 
of  disappointment  in  the  instant,  hoping  he  would 
not  kiss  her  before  all  these  people,  yet  longing  to 
throw  her  arms  about  his  neck  and  rest  her  head  upon 
his  shoulder.  He  looked  so  pale  as  he  sat  there,  that 
she  wanted  to  tell  him  how  pained  she  was  at  his  suf 
fering,  and  what  joy  it  was  to  see  him  again.  But 
instead  of  all  this,  at  the  end  of  those  few  steps,  she 
only  reached  out  her  hand,  permitted  it  to  rest  in  his 
a  moment,  called  him  Mr.  Mordaunt,  gave  him  one 
dizzy  look  more  frightened  than  loving,  told  him 
simply  she  was  sorry  for  his  long  illness,  and  then 
accepted  the  seat  which  Dame  Roosevelt  brought  near 
for  her.  The  Herr  questioned  her  about  her  friends. 
While  she  answered,  Mordaunt  looked  at  her  intently. 
He  had  not  seen  her  for  a  long  time.  He  had  grown 
accustomed  to  the  piquant  liveliness  and  frankness  of 
Elsie.  Constance  looked  reserved  and  self-possessed, 
and  even  cold,  but  for  the  color  on  her  cheek,  which 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  137 

he  plainly  saw  deepening  painfully  while  he  gazed  at 
her.  There  was  an  ineffable  sweetness  in  her  face  and 
manner  that  charmed  him  anew,  and  made  him  forget 
for  the  time  to  find  fault  with  her  absence.  Could  it 
be  possible  that  he  had  folded  her  in  his  arms,  that  he 
had  kissed  that  lovely  mouth,  and  beyond  all,  that  she 
had  acknowledged  that  she  loved  him  ?  Yet  she  sat 
there  so  distant,  her  eyelids  quivered  and  dropped  so 
persistently  when  his  own  eyes  were  questioning  her 
soul,  and  she  was  so  much  more  ready  to  speak  to  any 
other  in  the  room  than  himself,  that  he  was  puzzled, 
and  wondered  if  it  was  possible  she  regretted  that 
precious  confession.  Perhaps  she  did  regret  it.  He 
grew  thoughtful  and  silent.  Lisbet's  chattering 
annoyed  him.  Elsie's  nervous  movements  and  usual 
attentions  disturbed  him.  He  wished  all  these  kind 
people  would  be  considerate  enough  to  go  away  and 
allow  him  to  talk  freely  with  Constance.  But  they 
knew  nothing  of  the  relation  in  which  she  stood  to 
him,  and  regarding  her  simply  as  their  distinguished 
guest,  were  unceasing  in  their  efforts  to  make  her  visit 
as  agreeable  as  possible.  Mordaunt  looked  wearied. 
The  sun  was  declining.  Seeing  the  afternoon  gone, 
Constance  arose  to  go.  She  approached  Mordaunt, 
and  in  a  low  voice  asked, 

"  Will  it  be  long  before  you  come  back  to  Graves- 
end  ? " 

"  The  surgeon  says  I  must  not  move  in  two  weeks 

yet." 

"  It  is  very  long,"  she  replied  slowly  and  sadly. 
"  You  miss  me,  then  ?  " 


138  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

"As  you  perhaps  miss  me."  A  smile  played 
quickly  upon  her  lips,  and  her  eyes  rested  upon  his  a 
single  moment.  Mordaunt  took  her  hand  in  both  his, 
and  kissed  it  reverently. 

"  Good-night,"  said  she,  withdrawing  it  gently, 
but  not  displeased. 

"  You  will  come  again  to-morrow  ? " 

"Yes." 

"  Come  in  the  morning  and  spend  all  the  day  with 
us,"  suggested  Dame  Roosevelt.  "Mr.  Mordaunt 
likes  company.  And  I  suppose  you  are  glad  to  hear 
from  your  friends,"  she  added,  turning  to  him. 

"  Yery  glad,"  he  returned,  smiling.  "  I  am  refreshed 
by  what  she  has  told  me." 

Constance  assented  to  Dame  Roosevelt's  kind  pro 
posal,  and  went  away  with  Lisbet,  who,  after  striving 
in  vain  to  hear  the  few  words  that  passed,  wrapped 
herself  up  and  patted  along  the  street  at  Constance's 
side. 

u  Mr.  Mordaunt  is  long  in  mending,"  she  chatted, 
"  but  he  has  no  need  to  fret  about  it,  so  long  as  he  has 
pretty  Elsie  to  wait  upon  him.  She  manages  him  just 
as  she  pleases.  Yet  of  all  the  gallants  she  has  jilted, 
she  never  found  her  match  till  now.  1  cannot  quite 
see  which  will  get  jilted  this  time !  " 

"  I  am  glad  she  has  been  so  helpful,"  said  Con 
stance  simply.  Her  gentle  heart  did  not  feel  one 
twinge  of  jealousy.  Earnest,  trustful  herself,  it  did 
not  occur  to  her  to  doubt  Mordaunt  one  moment. 
Lisbet  looked  up  at  the  reply,  and  then  ran  on  prais 
ing  and  berating  Elsie  all  in  one  breath. 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  139 

"  Lisbet,  do  you  see  the  sky  in  the  west  ? "  inter 
rupted  Constance.  "  Was  there  ever  such  burnished 
gold?  And  do  you  see  how  softly  it  melts  away  into 
the  blue?" 

"  It  is  as  yellow  as  my  spring  daffies,"  said  Lisbet. 
"  That  signifies  a  fair  day  to-morrow.  That  will  be 
fine  for  Dame  Zwaller,  who  goes  to  Baltazzar's 
bowery  to  see  what  is  to  be  done  there  for  Barbara. 
You  know  we  shall  soon  have  a  wedding,  and  a  gay 
one  it  will  be."  Constance  saw  that  no  sense  of  beauty 
could  enter  into  her  soul  through  such  a  pair  of  round, 
whisking  eyes,  and  was  glad  when  she  reached  the 
gate,  and  could  escape  from  the  whirr  of  empty  gossip. 
She  lingered  on  the  doorstep,  with  her  hand  on  the 
huge  latch  and  her  face  turned  toward  the  shining 
west,  thinking  what  must  be  the  brightness  and  glory 
of  heaven,  if  even  that  could  not  represent  it.  She 
went  in  with  a  smile  on  her  lips.  In  the  chimney 
corner  sat  Mistress  Primley,  waiting  patiently  to  see 
her.  She  arose  quickly,  courtesied  low,  and  expressed 
her  gladness  at  meeting  again. 

"So  much  has.  happened  since  I  saw  you,"  said 
she.  "  Poor  child,  I  always  knew  that  screech-owl  did 
not  sit  on  the  chimney  for  nothing.  If  the  Herr  had 
only  minded  the  warning,  he  would  never  have  lost 
his  guilders.  And  you,  my  precious  heart,  should 
never  have  gone  on  that  journey,  after  such  a 
dream." 

"  But  I  had  made  it  twice  before  that  sorrowful 
adventure,  dear  mamma  Primley,"  laughed  Constance, 
sitting  on  the  stool  at  her  feet. 


140  CONSTANCE   AYLMEB. 

"  It  was  tempting  Providence,"  said  she,  shaking 
her  head  slowly. 

"  Would  you  have  me  stay  always  at  home  for  a 
foolish  dream  ? " 

"  It  would  be  safer  for  such  as  you,  in  this  wild 
country,"  replied  Mistress  Primley,  smoothing  her 
hair  lovingly,  and  thinking  her  whilom  protegee  grown 
more  beautiful  than  ever.  This  was  true,  for  the  pre 
cious  shining  of  peace  and  joy  and  love  was  in  her 
face,  and  there  is  no  beauty  like  it. 

"  I  am  not  afraid,  with  such  brave  cavaliers  as 
are  here,''  returned  Constance.  "  One  feels  stronger 
too,  having  gone  safely  through  danger.  It  is  good 
to  test  the  nerves  and  use  them  to  alarm,  just  as  high- 
mettled  horses  are  trained  to  the  sound  of  drums 
and  cannon.  I  believe  I  could  listen  to  an  Indian's 
war-whoop  with  less  terror  now,  than  before  I  heard 
that  shout  of  '  Stand ! '  from  the  highwaymen  spring 
ing  out  of  the  woods." 

"  Oh !  my  precious  child  !  "  cried  Mistress  Primley, 

•  clasping  her  hands.     "  What  will  be  the  end  of  all 

this  ?     It  does  not  befit  you  to  go  about  unguarded, 

with  such  a  head  on  your  shoulders.     You.  are  too 

heedless  of  danger." 

"  Would  you  have  me  journey  in  state,  like  the 
Director,  with  four  halberdiers  at  my  service,  or  like 
a  princess  with  a  train  of  plumed  knights,  ready  to 
challenge  every  shadow  we  met  ? "  asked  Constance 
with  a  merry,  ringing  laugh.  "  But  you  may  be  sure, 
mamma  Primley,"  she  added,  seriously,  "I  will  never 
go  alone,  as  many  do.  Mary  Tilton  rides  often  many 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  141 

miles  by  herself,  and  more  than  one  good  wife  thinks 
it  not  ill  to  carry  a  bag  of  grist  to  the  mill,  with  none 
to  defend  her." 

"  All  wrong.  I  wish  you  were  safe  back  in  Eng 
land.  But  tell  me,  child,  of  your  escape  from  that  wild 
Percy,  that  I  knew  was  never  a  shoot  of  a  noble  race." 
Urging  Constance,  she  learned  part  of  the  story,  the 
tragic  fate  of  Omanee,  and  the  return  of  the  gold  neck 
lace.  This  led  to  Barbara's  aifairs,  which  Dame  Zwal- 
ler  was  ready  to  discuss  fully.  After  Mistress  Primley 
went  away,  the  evening  was  filled  with  plans  for  the 
bridal,  the  house-furnishing  and  the  all-important  ward 
robe.  Constance  made  some  pretty  suggestions,  and 
busied  her  fingers  in  fashioning  a  tuft  of  rosettes  for 
the  slippers.  It  was  a  pleasant,  happy  group  about 
the  fireside  that  evening,  and  none  felt  happier  than 
Constance.  Had  she  not  seen  Mordaunt,  and  was 
she  not  to  see  him  and  listen  to  him  all  to-inorrow  ?  In 
all  the  day  she  could  find  some  moments  to  speak  the 
stored-up  thoughts  that  had  waited  so  long  to  be  told. 
What  wonder  if  she  fell  asleep  that  night  smiling  to 
herself,  slept  profoundly,  and  awoke  in  the  morning 
with  a  dreamy  consciousness  that  something  happy 
was  in  store  !  The  waking  to  a  new  day  was  joyous 
to  her  soul,  untouched  yet  by  pain. 

She  went  early  to  the  Roosevelt's,  for  she  knew 
Mordaunt  would  be  waiting,  and  the  day  would  be 
only  too  short  at  the  longest.  Arriving,  she  found 
Mynheer  Koosevelt  consulting  with  him  as  to  a  knotty 
law  matter.  But  it  was  pleasant  to  listen  to  his  voice, 
to  see  his  face,  to  catch  his  frequent  glance  when  she 


142  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

looked  np  from  the  dainty  bit  of  work  brought  from 
Barbara's  basket.  Later,  the  Lord  Director  came  in, 
and  jocosely  assured  him  it  was  no  small  distinction 
to  stump  about  the  world  on  a  silver-chased  leg,  and 
was  sorry  at  the  prospect  of  losing  his  company  in 
such  good  fortune.  Suddenly  perceiving  the  presence 
of  Constance,  he  exclaimed, 

"  Bless  me  !  Here  is  my  Christ-child  !  When  did 
you  arrive,  Mistress  Aylmer  ?  By  St.  Nicholas ! 
Mordaunt,  I  should  think  you  would  be  afraid  she 
would  unfold  her  wings  and  soar  upward.  How  is 
the  Lady-mother,  my  child  ?  Does  she  manage  those 
straight-coats  as  well  as  ever?  Herr  Roosevelt,  if 
there  is  anybody  in  the  world  who  can  exorcise  the 
devil  out  of  me,  it  is  Lady  Moody.  That  is  high 
praise.  She  anoints  with  the  oil  of  peace  all  who  pass 
her  threshold." 

"  I  wish  she  might  come  to  the  Stadt  Huys  !  "  said 
the  Herr,  quietly  folding  the  papers  which  he  had 
been  overlooking. 

"Yes,  yes,"  retorted  the  Director,  "such  a  testy 
set  of  fellows  never  sat  together  in  council.  They 
need  to  be  dipped  in  the  oil  of  peace.  Why,  sir," 
said  he,  turning  fiercely  to  Mordannt,  ';  they  wont 
listen  to  having  the  street  paved.  And  yesterday  I 
came  near  locking  them  all  up  till  they  should  agree 
to  light  the  street  with  lanterns  hung  out  on  poles 
from  the  window  of  every  seventh  house.  '  Fool 
hardy,'  said  they,  '  to  make  a  beacon  of  our  city,  and 
let  the  savages  know  where  to  find  us!'  Faugh!" 
said  he,  in  infinite  disgust.  "  As  if  wild-eats  cannot 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  143 

see  as  well  in  darkness  as  in  light.  We  should  never 
have  had  that  pretty  pack  of  thieves  prowling  through 
the  city,  but  for  the  lack  of  lanterns.  Faugh  !  A  blind 
set  of  bull-dogs  I  have  to  manage  at  the  Stadt  Huys. 
And  I  must  be  about  it,"  said  he,  taking  his  hat, 
bidding  a  gruff  good-morning,  and  walking  off  with 
the  air  of  a  duke  among  his  retainers.  Mordaunt  smiled. 

"  He  carries  himself  so  like  an  old  admiral,  that 
one  forgets  his  misfortune,"  said  he. 

"  He  forgets  it  himself,"  added  Constance.  She 
was  not  sorry  at  losing  sight  of  His  High  Mightiness, 
who  always  inspired  her  with  fear,  especially  when 
followed  by  his  four  halberdiers  with  their  four  grim 
axes.  "  If  I  were  poor  Barbara,  I  should  be  afraid 
he  would  order  my  head  off  in  one  of  his  passions." 

"  She  must  not  dare  to  oppose  his  whims,"  said 
Ilerr  Roosevelt,  his  own  temper  ruffled  at  the  last 
words  of  the  Director.  "  Yes,"  continued  he,  as  if 
talking  to  himself,  "  he  may  forget  his  misfortune,  but 
he  never  forgets  that  he  is  master."  And  he  con 
tinued  to  grumble  in  a  low  voice  till  he  also  took  his 
departure  for  the  Stadt  Ilnys.  "When  he  had  gone, 
Mordaunt  motioned  Constance  to  come  with  her  work 
and  sit  beside  him. 

"  I  wish  you  to  tell  me  why  you  remained  away 
so  long,"  said  he,  abruptly.  "  Could  not  Rose  have 
cared  for  your  aunt  as  well  ? "  Constance  looked  up 
surprised. 

"I  explained  it  in  my  note.  Aunt  Deborah  is  as 
my  mother.  I  would  not  leave  her  till  assured  that 
she  was  recovering." 


144  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

"  I  would  have  forsaken  father  or  mother  to  have 
gone  to  you,  at  least  for  a  single  day,"  replied  Mor- 
daunt. 

"  I  should  have  told  you,  you  are  an  undutiful  son, 
and  sent  you  back,"  was  the  spirited  reply. 

"  Do  you  owe  nothing  to  me,  then  ? " 

"  Yes ;  more  than  I  can  tell  you  now,"  said  she 
with  tremulous  lips.  "  Yet  so  long  as  I  am  undeivmy 
mother's  roof,  I  owe  my  first  loving  duty  to  her'  She 
had  no  physician.  Would  I  trust  her  to  servants  ?  " 

"  Where  was  Sir  Henry  ? " 

"He  is  not  a  tender  daughter."  A  silence  follow 
ed  these  words.  Constance  continued  to  sew,  bending 
her  head  low  to  hide  her  emotion.  Mordaunt  resumed 
in  a  low  voice  : 

"  I  supposed  the  love  of  woman  for  her  affianced 
husband  surpassed  every  other  earthly  love." 

"  It  does !  oh  !  it  does !  If  I  had  consulted  my 
own  heart  only,  I  should  have  flown  to^you  at  once. 
Yet  I  am  sure  I  did  right  to  remain." 

"  You  are  a  bit  wilful,  Constance." 

"  What  do  you  wish  3  That  I  should  say  I  did 
wrong  to  wait  ?  " 

"  Yes.  If  you  bear  the  same  love  to  me  that  I  hold 
for  you,  it  would  not  be  difficult  for  you  to  sec  how 
cruel  was  the  long  waiting,  and  therefore  wrong." 
Constance  felt  as  if  her  heart  was  ground  under  a 
millstone. 

"  I  do  love  you  with  all  my  soul,"  she  replied, 
"  yet  I  cannot  think  as  you  do.  Would  you  have  me 
speak  an  untruth  ?  " 


COXSTAXCE    AYLMER.  145 

"  What  a  Huguenot  you  would  make,  Constance. 
Yon  put  duty  and  truth  above  your  love  for  me." 

"  Oh,  Edward  Mordaunt,"  said  she,  dropping  her 
work  with  a  gesture,  as  if  she  would  have  thrown  her 
arms  around  him,  "  do  not  trifle  with  both  my  heart 
and  my  conscience.  It  is  exquisite  pain  to  be  doubted 
thus."" 

"It  is  because  I  adore  you,  my  beloved,"  replied 
Mordaunt,  drawing  her  toward  him  and  kissing  her 
burning  cheek.  "  I  hunger  for  the  whole  of  your 
love.  I  would  not  divide  it  with  any  on  earth  " — or 
in  heaven,  he  would  have  added  if  he  dared.  Dame 
Roosevelt  opened  the  door  at  that  moment,  and,  see 
ing  the  fire  low  upon  the  hearth,  came  in  to  replenish 
it.  Constance  went  to  the  window  to  get  more  light 
upon  her  delicate  stitching  and  to  hide  her  agitated 
face.  Elsie  soon  joined  them,  and  was  satisfied  to  see 
her  friend  so  reserved  and  occupied  by  the  window, 
and  Mordaunt  with  his  head  thrown  back  against  the 
chair,  and  his  eyes  closed  as  if  he  meditated  a  nap. 
She  was  hurt  yesterday  at  noting  how  admiringly  his 
eyes  rested  upon  his  beautiful  guest,  and  thought 
then,  and  even  yet,  that  she  would  not  remain  in  his 
way  to  afford  the  contrast  of  her  own  prettiness  with 
the  nameless  charm  that  won  every  heart  to  Con 
stance.  She  had  remained  in  her  room  this  morning, 
heroically  enduring  the  cold  till  worried  by  her 
mother  into  proper  hospitality.  Though  now  crouch 
ing  by  the  fire,  she  intended  to  escape  at  the  first 
opportunity. 

After  dinner  had  been  served,  Nicholas  Stuyve- 


140  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

sant  came  in  and  infused  new  life  into  the  family 
group.  He  was  fast  recovering  bis  natural  buoyancy, 
and  with  it,  something  of  his  old  spendthrift  ways, 
which  could  hardly  conform  to  a  plodding  devotion 
to  business.  He  fully  intended  to  perform  all  his 
promises  to  his  brother ;  but  he  must  have  jovial 
hours  now  and  then  outside  of  that  odious  mill. 
What  signified  a  few  hours  and  a  few  stivers  at  the 
inn,  or  at  a  friend's  fireside !  The  mill  would  turn 
out  enough  to  pay  Baltazzar,  somehow !  So  he  shook 
his  curls — for  he  would  wear  curls  instead  of  the  or 
thodox  cue — and  tried  to  recover  the  good  graces  of 
Elsie.  But  she  was  strangely  sedate  to-day,  and  so 
he  toyed  with  Constance's  work-basket,  and  chatted 
gayly  with  her.  She  laughed  at  bis  foolish  sallies, 
in  spite  of  her  sadness.  Mordaunt  watched  them  in 
silence,  and  -  saw  that  she  spoke  freely  to  him  and 
looked  full  into  his  eyes  while  speaking. 

"Why  should  she  shrink  at  my  touch,  and  why 
should  her  eyelids  droop  till  the  lashes  sweep  her 
cheek  if  she  catches  my  ardent  gaze  ?  She  does  not 
lay  her  band  fearlessly  upon  mine,  nor  caressingly 
bathe  my  head,  like  Elsie.  Does  she  fear  me  more 
than  she  loves  me  \  Could  she  not  care  more  tenderly 
for  .Nicholas  than  for  me  ?  " 

Brooding  thus,  a  keen  dislike  began  to  creep  in 
bis  heart  toward  Nicholas,  whose  patient,  friendly 
devotion  was  passing  for  nothing.  He  had  spoiled 
the  morning  for  himself,  and  the  short  afternoon  was 
quickly  speeding  away,  with  Nicholas  still  there,  and 
other  friends  coming  and  going,  till  there  were  no 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  147 

more  moments  for  the  happy  converse  that  Constance 
had  so  long  promised  herself.  It  was  time  to  go. 
She  laid  aside  her  work  with  a  heavy  heart,  and,  in 
the  dusky  twilight,  stood  beside  Mordaunt. 

"  1  return  to  Gravesend  in  the  morning,"  said  she. 

"  Stay  another  day,  Constance.  I  have  scarcely 
spoken  to  you  yet." 

"  I  should  love  to  stay,  for  I  have  said  nothing  of 
all  I  desired  to  tell  you.  But  I  promised  to  return, 
and  Aunt  Deborah  would  be  alarmed  at  my  delay." 

"  Fie !  do  not  allow  her  wishes  to  come  always 
between  us,"  said  he,  impatiently. 

"  But  I  cannot  hold  my  promise  lightly." 

"  You  are  a  Puritan,  like  your  father." 

"  Aside  from  this,"  pursued  Constance,  with  quiet 
dignity,  "  I  would  not  willingly  test  further  the  hos 
pitality  of  your  good  friends.  My  cousin  purposes  to 
bring  me  next  week,  and  Barbara's  wedding  will  call 
me  here  the  week  following.  I  hope  you  will  then 
be  able  to  return  to  Gravesend." 
"  You  will  not  stay,  then  ? " 

"  I  cannot." 

"Farewell,  obdurate  Constance,"  said  he,  coldly. 

"  Good-night,"  she  responded  in  a  tender,  sad 
voice. 

Slowly  walking  home,  Constance  questioned  her 
self.  Abstracted  and  heavy-hearted  by  the  Zwaller 
fireside,  she  questioned  herself.  In  the  quaint  bed 
where  Barbara  lay  nestled  close  beside  her,  she  lay 
wakeful  and  thoughtful,  while  all  the  house  slept: 
Had  that  day  brought  the  looked-for  happiness? 


148  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

Why  did  it  leave  such  a  weight  upon  her  heart  ?  Did 
not  Mordaunt  love  her  ?  Yes,  she  was  sure  he  did. 
Did  she  not  love  him  most  tenderly?  Oh  yes,  she 
was  very  sure  of  that.  Must  every  other  affection  be 
put  away  for  this?  All  sense  of  grateful  dependence 
upon  others  be  swallowed  up  in  this  one  love?  Was 
it  selfish  for  Mordaunt  to  demand  it  ?  "I  would  not 
divide  it  with  any  on  earth,"  were  the  words  that 
came  back  to  her  now.  Was  it  noble,  generous,  to 
refuse  even  dear  Aunt  Deborah  a  share  of  her  loving 
duty?  Her  thoughts  frightened  her.  It  grieved, 
wounded  her  to  suspect  that  Mordaunt  was  not  the 
perfect  being  she  imagined.  She  would  not  have  it 
so,  and  began  to  reproach  herself  for  not  humoring 
his  fretful  mood.  He  was  ill,  and  weak  and  weary. 
She  wished  she  had  soothed  and  caressed  him,  as 
others  might  have  done  —  even  promised  to  stay. 
Why  was  she  timid  and  cold  and  obstinate?  Ac 
cusing  herself  thus,  and  feeling  that  she  was  a  wicked 
mortal,  unworthy  of  Mordaunt,  she  fell  asleep  at  last, 
consoling  herself  that  to-morrow  should  repair  it  all ; 
for  she  would  stay.  But  when  to-morrow  came,  she 
reflected  that  it  would  seem  unmaidenly  to  linger  at 
the  Roosevelt's  another  day ;  and  she  felt  that  her 
presence  was  not  welcome  to  Elsie.  Then  Aunt 
Deborah,  not  wholly  recovered,  would  suffer  nervous 
fears  on  her  account.  Nicholas,  too,  had  arranged  to 
go  with  her  that  day,  and  horses  were  engaged  and 
waiting  the  other  side  of  the  ferry.  For  this  once, 
Mordaunt  must  allow  her  to  have  some  regard  for 
the  comfort  and  happiness  of  others.  She  prepared 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEU.  149 

to  go  with  quiet  gentleness,  and,  by  the  time  the 
morning  sun  was  shining  on  the  chimney-tops,  was 
walking  toward  the  ferry,  looking  back  with  a  sink 
ing  heart  toward  the  little  window  of  Mordaunt's 
parlor. 


150  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 


XIT. 

DAME  ZWALLER  prided  herself  upon  the  prepara 
tions  for  her  daughter's  marriage.  Always  over 
whelmed  with  cares,  she  was  never  so  burdened  as 
now.  Mynheer  wondered  why  the  house  needed  to  be 
renovated  from  top  to  bottom,  as  if  the  guests  were  to 
inspect  it,  and  could  not  see  what  the  cellar  and  dairy 
had  to  do  with  the  event  further  than  to  furnish  good 
cheer.  Old  Mabel  was  weary  and  sore  with  scrubbing 
and  waxing.  Then  -such  preparations  for  the  wedding 
supper  were  never  heard  of  before  in  New  Amster 
dam.  Lisbet  was  called  in  to  assist,  since  she  had  the 
art  of  puffing  biscuits  and  cakes  into  airier  heights 
than  anybody  else.  What  a  field  of  exploration  this 
opportunity  offered  to  her  innocent  eyes!  Perhaps 
foreseeing  this,  Dame  Zwaller  had  prepared  her  house 
for  the  ordeal,  knowing  well  that  what  she  saw,  all  the 
town  saw.  In  due  time  she  had  inventoried  the 
bride's  wardrobe,  and,  in  her  love  for  the  good  Bar 
bara,  desired  to  impress  everybody  with  the  queenli- 
ness  of  her  outfit.  Thus  it  came  about  that  all  the 
prudent  mothers  were  astonished  and  censorious  over 
the  extravagant  number  and  costliness  of  articles 
which,  in  truth,  existed  only  in  Lisbet's  imagination. 

"  Six  satin  petticoats !  "  said  Lisbet.  One,  of  white 
silk,  was  in  Barbara's  possession. 

"  Flanders  lace  by  the  yard  ! "  she  exclaimed  to  the 


CONSTANCE   AYLMKK.  151 

\vrapt  listeners.  A  single  yard  had  come  in  a  note 
from  Constance  Aylmer,  that  day. 

"  A  set  of  jewels  fit  for  a  princess ! "  This  also, 
upon  inspection,  dwindled  to  a  very  pretty  topaz 
brooch  that  came  in  the  same  package. 

Then,  how  they  all  ran  to  peer  from  the  doors  at 
the  passing  carts  filled  with  furnishings,  Lisbet  said, 
for  the  house  at  the  bowery !  And  what  eagerness  to 
see  Dame  Zwaller  get  out  now  in  the  high-backed 
sleigh  for  the  bowery  also,  as  if  she  had  not  been  there 
many  times  before ! 

This  bowery  was  a  rich  one,  with  a  new  house  of 
brick,  yellow  and  black.  The  upper  story  projected 
over  the  lower  sufficiently  to  aft'ord  shelter  to  the 
Director  and  his  companions,  when  he  would  choose 
to  sit  there  in  the  summer  afternoons.  And  he  might 
sit  there  often,  for  the  bowery  was  his  and  not  Baltaz- 
zar's,  and  he  intended  to  retire  to  it  altogether  some 
day,  when  he  tired  of  his  office,  or  his  office  of  him. 
A  wide  smooth  road  had  been  made  the  previous 
summer  from  the  city,  and  this  road  was  already  the 
race-course,  the  pleasure-drive,  and  the  favorite  walk 
of  the  young  Hollanders.  Barbara  was  not  likely 
to  lack  for  amusement  or  friendly  visits  in  her  new 
home. 

The  wedding  evening  came  at  last,  and  with  it  all 
the  great  people  of  New  Amsterdam,  to  the  house  of 
Burgomaster  Zwaller.  The  Governor  was  there  in  his 
most  genial  mood.  Herr  Roosevelt  came  in  a  new 
pair  of  buff  breeches,  and  his  quiet  wife  honored  the 
occasion  in  new  taffeta.  Elsie  appeared  in  a  velvet 


152  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

bodice  laced  with  a  silver  chain,  and  her  pretty  feet 
were  never  so  well  displayed  as  now,  in  her  scarlet 
shoes  and  the  envied  Christmas  stockings  of  red  and 
white.  She  was  full  of  vivacity,  and  ready  for  a  flirt 
and  a  frolic. 

The  arrival  of  Domine  Megapolensis,  his  wife 
Macktelt,  and  their  boyish  Heldigond,  produced  a  sen 
sation,  for  all  at  once  realized  that  a  wedding  was  in 
hand.  Then  the  courtly  Sir  Henry  Moody  entered  with 
Constance,  and  was  directly  offered  a  chair  near  the 
Governor.  Constance,  always  with  an  air  of  graceful 
ease,  looked  more  English  than  ever  in  her  trailing  robe 
of  blue  silk,  its  trimmings  of  delicate  lace,  the  cordon 
of  pearls  in  her  hair,  and  the  soft  laced  handkerchief, 
covering,  but  not  hiding  her  fair  shoulders.  Mr.  Mor- 
daunt,  from  his  arm-chair  in  the  corner,  scrutinized 
her  well,  and  wondered  at  her  unconsciousness  of  the 
admiration  with  which  many  eyes  followed  her.  When 
she  came  near,  he  gallantly  arose  and  offered  his  seat. 
She  refused  with  a  bright  smile  at  seeing  him  there, 
with  his  limb  loosed  from  its  wooden  prison,  though 
dependant  upon  a  crutch.  Nicholas  Stuyvesant,  al 
ways  ready  to  serve  either  of  them,  brought  his  own 
chair  and  placed  it  for  her. 

Dame  Zwaller  hastened  hither  and  thither,  now 
looking  in  to  see  if  the  luxurious  supper  was  in  certain 
perfection,  now  greeting  her  guests  and  assisting  them 
to  unwrap,  watching  the  fires  and  the  lights,  retouch 
ing  the  dress  of  the  waiting  bride,  and,  in  fine,  per 
forming  the  duties  of  host  and  hostess,  servant  and 
friend,  while  mynheer,  her  spouse,  sat  quietly  enjoying 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  153 

himself  with  his  townsmen,  not  once  thinking  there 
could  be  any  thing  else  for  him  to  do.  The  world 
moved  easily  to  him,  and  he  was  mystified  to  know 
how  his  busy  dame  managed  to  make  a  mountain  of 
care  out  of  such  a  joyful  occasion  as  this. 

Now  she  was  telling  the  Domine  that  all  was  in 
readiness,  then  she  reminded  the  father  that  he  was  to 
give  away  the  bride,  and  then  made  way  for  the  two 
whose  happy  hour  had  come.  All  eyes  were  upon  the 
trembling  Barbara.  Her  bodice  laced  with  the  gold 
chain  of  Christmas  memories,  the  white  silk  petticoat 
blue-bordered,  and  the  white  shoes  with  blue  rosettes 
were  duly  inspected  by  all  feminine  eyes.  The  full 
string  of  golden  beads  encircled  her  neck,  testifying 
her  industry,  and  proving  her  ability  to  manage  a 
house  of  her  own.  Only  Mistress  Primley  was  a 
little  frightened  at  the  sight  of  the  beads,  and  thought, 
it  ominous  that  they  had  already  hung  about  the  neck 
of  a  dead  maiden. 

Barbara  looked  ruddy  and  bashful,  and  Baltazzar 
the  embodiment  of  happiness.  They  were  doubtless 
glad  when  the  long  ceremony  and  the  long  discourse 
upon  their  duties  were  finished,  and  when  relief  came 
in  the  shape  of  happy  wishes  from  the  friends  crowd 
ing  about  them.  Then  followed  the  fine  supper,  the 
drinking  of  health  to  the  newly  married,  the  ringing 
of  glasses,  the  tumult  of  voices,  and  afterward  music 
and  dancing. 

Lisbet  was  there,  buzzing  like  a  beetle,  and  gay  as 
a  rainbow  with  ribbons.  She  was  almost  as  tireless 
as  Elsie  in  the  dance.  Her  frequent  partner  was  a 
7* 


154  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

tall,  slender  bachelor,  whose  height  contrasted  oddly 
with  her  small  stature.  He  had  fine,  thoughtful  eyes, 
fair  hair,  and  moved  quietly  through  the  intricate 
measures,  listening  to  Lisbet's  prattle. 

"  "Who  is  waltzing  with  Lisbet  ? "  asked  Constance 
of  the  Director,  near  whom  she  was  standing,  while 
looking  at  the  waltzers. 

"  Hans  Yan  Elslant,  the  poet  and  schoolmaster," 
was  the  reply. 

"  Have  I  not  seen  him  bearing  the  State  cushions 
before  Your  Highness,  on  the  Sabbath  ?  " 

"  The  same,"  said  the  Director,  nodding  and  smil 
ing. 

"  And  is  it  not  he  who  reads  the  Commandments 
and  Articles  of  Faith  for  the  Domine,  or  a  Psalm, 
while  the  people  assemble  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sweet  Mistress  Aylmer." 

"  I  thought  him  the  curate." 

"  We  have  no  curates ;  that  smacks  of  the  Eng 
lish  Church ! " 

"  The  schoolmaster  has  a  variety  of  occupations, 
then,"  added  Constance  quickly,  lest  he  should  go 
into  a  passion  over  the  curates. 

"  Enough  to  keep  him  out  of  mischief,  truly  :  he 
rings  the  bell,  provides  the  sacrament,  gives  the  fu 
neral  invitations,  catechizes  the  children,  and  ought  to 
whip  them,  but  I  suspect  gives  them  bonbons  and 
flowers  instead.  Hans !  "  he  called  aloud,  seeing  he 
had  finished  whirling  with  Lisbet,  and  stood  wiping 
his  brow.  Hans  obeyed  the  summons. 

"  Hans,  this  is  Mistress  Aylmer,  of  Moody  Hall ; 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  155 

she  wishes  to  know  something  of  our  Holland  school 
master." 

Hans  bowed  respectfully,  and  waited  for  the  ques 
tions  he  expected,  while  Constance  stood  embarrassed 
at  the  abrupt  summons.  Seeing  the  Director  occu 
pied,  however,  with  a  communication  from  Councillor 
De  Sille,  she  recovered  herself,  and  was  soon  interest 
ed  in  a  quiet  chat  about  the  Old  and  the  ISTew  Am 
sterdam.  His  heart  evidently  yearned  for  the  Old. 

"  One  must  descend  to  the  life  of  a  peasant,  here. 
Starve,  too,  for  books.  Those  I  brought  with  me 
look  like  bones  gnawed  by  a  hungry  dog.  I  miss  the 
atmosphere  of  learned  people.  I  am  sick  sometimes 
for  sympathy." 

"  But  you  should  not  live  upon  the  thoughts  of 
others,  now,"  said  Constance,  timidly.  "  A  new 
country  ought  to  suggest  new  thoughts.  You  are  a 
poet ;  there  is  much  to  inspire  you  here." 

u  A  rugged  country,  a  rugged  people,  and  a  rug 
ged  life.  It  is  too  real  for  poetry,"  he  answered, 
thoughtfully. 

"  I  do  not  know,  for  I  have  no  gift,"  said  Con 
stance,  "  yet  I  think  its  very  roughness  would  lend 
vigor  and  manliness  to  your  thoughts." 

A  gleam  of  pleasure  lit  Hans'  face,  and  he  looked 
at  Constance  without  seeing  her,  far  beyond  her,  as 
if  he  caught  a  glimpse  of  what  he  might  achieve.  It 
lifted  his  mourning  soul  as  it  had  not  been  lifted 
since  he  left  the  Father-land.  Recalling  himself,  he 
said, 

"  May  I  ask  you  if  it  is  not  repulsive  to  mingle 


156  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

with  rude  people,  after  having  been  bred  in  courtly 
society  ? " 

"  I  find  so  much  to  love  in  them,  that  I  forget  all 
else,"  said  Constance,  sweetly. 

"  But  the  ignorance,  the  emptiness  of  soul !  "  said 
Hans,  with  an  impatient  gesture.  "  Yet  I  forget," 
he  added ;  "  my  home  is  everywhere :  the  children's 
homes  shelter  me.  Sometimes  they  are  difficiilt  to 
endure.  The  good  dame  at  whose  cottage  I  am  now 
quartered  scolded  me  soundly  this  morning,  for  filling 
her  children's  heads  with  nonsense.  '  As  if  the  world 
turned  over  every  day,  and  I  not  know  it,'  said  she. 
'  A  fine  story !  would'nt  my  duck-pond  have  been 
emptied  long  ago,  if  the  world  turned  a  somersault 
every  day  ? ' : 

"  You  are  a  persecuted  Galileo ! "  laughed  Con 
stance.  "But  it  is  pleasant  to  be  Galileo,  after 
all." 

"  Thank  you,  Mistress  Aylmer,  you  have  done  me 
good,"  returned  Hans,  bowing,  and  retiring  at  the 
approach  of  the  Councillor. 

The  music  ceased,  and  the  older  portion  of  the 
company  began  to  break  up.  The  young,people  pre 
pared  to  escort  the  bride  to  her  new  home,  and  were 
laughingly  selecting  partners  while  Constance  stood 
talking  with  Mordaunt.  Sir  Henry  had  secured 
Elsie's  promise,  Hans  Van  Elslant  was  already  lead 
ing  Lisbet  to  his  sleigh,  and  the  rest  were  making 
ready  for  the  merry  ride,  so  that  it  only  remained 
for  Nicholas  Stuyvesant  to  beg  Constance  to  accom 
pany  him. 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  157 

"Do  not  go,"  said  Mordaunt,  irritated  at  the 
politeness  of  this  gay  young  Hollander. 

"Barbara  would   be  disappointed,"  she  replied, 

hesitating. 

"  She  will  not  miss  you  among  so  many,"  urged 

Mordaunt. 

"  But  she  told  me  this  evening  she  desired  to  show 
me  her  new  home,  which  I  have  not  yet  seen.  What 
can  I  do  for  you  if  I  remain  ? "  He  regarded  her  with 
a  wounded  expression,  and  replied  in  the  peculiar 
tone  usual  to  him  in  such  moods, 

"I  merely  supposed  you  would  prefer  to  remain." 

By  this  time  Dame  Zwaller,  who  was  still  super 
intending  all  things,  came  to  express  her  wonder  that 
Constance  was  not  getting  ready. 

"  I  think  I  will  not  go,  if  you  please,"  said  she 
gently. 

"  But  Barbara  counts  upon  you.  Her  will  is  law, 
this  wedding-day ;  you  cannot  refuse.  Come,  I  will 
wrap  you  warmly  in  my  scarlet  cloak." 

There  was  no  refusing  her  peremptory  tone.  Con 
stance  drew  back  a  moment,  and  laying  her  hand 
upon  Mordaunt's  in  a  pleading  way,  whispered, 

"  I  shall  not  be  long  gone.  Wait  till  I  return,  for 
I  have  something  to  say  to  you."  Then  she  submitted 
to  the  motherly  kindness  of  her  friend,  and  was  pres 
ently  muffled  and  seated  beside  Nicholas.  The  gay 
procession  now  sped  away  amid  the  jingling  of  bells 
and  snapping  of  whips,  making  a  lively  uproar  that 
shocked  the  ears  of  all  who  had  not  been  bidden  to 
the  wedding. 


158  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

A  bountiful  repast  was  in  waiting  at  the  bowery, 
quite  superfluous,  though  hospitable.  The  happiness 
and  long  life  of  bride  and  groom  were  drank,  and, 
after  many  congratulations  upon  the  cheeriness  of  the 
new  abode,  the  escort  returned  over  the  smooth  road, 
and  scattered  tired  and  sleepy  to  their  homes.  Nich 
olas  intended  to  take  Mordaunt  back  to  the  Roosevelt's 
in  his  sleigh,  but  he  had  chosen  to  walk  there  on  his 
crutch  without  waiting  for  Constance.  She  did  not 
see  him  again,  as  Sir  Henry  was  obliged  to  return  to 
Gravesend  early  in  the  morning. 

Two  weeks  more  went  by  before  Mordaunt  pre 
pared  to  return  to  Gravesend.  He  announced  his 
intention  one  evening  to  the  Herr,  and  both  to  him 
and  Dame  Roosevelt  acknowledged  very  feelingly 
their  untiring  kindness  during  his  long  illness.  They 
really  regretted  his  purpose  to  leave  them.  Many 
hours  that  would  have  passed  in  dull  silence  had  been 
made  delightful  by  his  efforts  to  amuse ;  and  besides, 
he  had  often  rendered  important  service  to  the  Herr 
in  state  matters.  Certainly  Herr  Roosevelt  would 
miss  his  clear-headed  interpretations  of  the  law,  and 
his  skilful  manipulations  when  an  antagonist  was  to 
be  overcome  at  the  Stadt  Huys. 

A  shadow  fell  upon  Elsie's  face  when  she  heard 
him  say  he  was  going.  How  could  she  spare  that 
handsome  face  from  her  every  day  vision  ?  How  dull 
it  would  be  without  his  entertaining  chat !  How  hard 
to  lose  the  sweet  sayings  and  the  gallant  services  of 
this  cavalier !  Every  other  one  was  so  stupid  and 
awkward.  Even  Nicholas  was  insupportable  when 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  159 

near  him.  Her  heart  uprose  against  his  going.  She 
had  been  slowly  reeling  off  a  fine  flaxen  thread  from 
the  full  spindle,  but  now,  pushing  away  her  work,  she 
sprang  up,  saying  impatiently, 

"  I  hope  you  will  break  your  other  leg  in  starting  1" 

"  Elsie ! "  exclaimed  her  father,  with  stern  reproval 
in  his  tone. 

"  Elsie !  Elsie  ! "  repeated  the  mother  faintly,  as  if 
frightened. 

"  I  mean  well  enough,"  explained  Elsie.  "  I  only 
wish  somehow  to  keep  him  there  in  his  chair." 

"  What !  always  ? "  said  Mordaunt,  laughing. 

"  Yes,  always,"  replied  Elsie ;  "  that  is,  as  long  as 
you  are  good-natured,  and  entertain  me  with  tales  and 
gallant  words." 

"  Oh  ho !  then  any  fine-spoken  cavalier  with  bro 
ken  bones  will  do.  There  is  the  Lord  Director — he 
can  tell  of  his  adventures  by  the  hour." 

"  No ;  he  is  crosser  even  than  yourself." 

"  Well,  there  is  Nicholas." 

"  Oh,  no.  I  broke  his  heart  once,  and  he  was  lively 
as  a  spring  robin  the  next  time  I  saw  him.  He  gets 
mended  too  quick." 

"  Then  Antony  Jansen,  who  danced  so  vigorously 
at  Barbara's  wedding." 

"  Wrong  again,"  laughed  Elsie.  "  He  is  too  much 
a  giant.  Did  you  know  his  grandfather  carried  ten 
bushels  of  wheat  up  stairs  at  one  going  ? — one  bag  on 
each  arm,  one  on  each  shoulder,  and  one  between  his 
teeth.  Now,  if  I  happened  to  tease  Antony  Jansen 
as  I  tease  you  sometimes,  I  should  expect  him  every 


160  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

minute  to  catch  me  up  and  shake  me  just  as  old  pussj 
picks  up  her  kittens." 

"  Nonsense,  Elsie,"  said  her  father,  smiling  in 
spite  of  himself;  "  go  back  to  your  reel,  and  stop  your 
chattering."  Always  doing  as  she  pleased,  Elsie  did 
not  stir  from  her  position  before  the  fire,  with  her 
hands  clasped  behind  her. 

"  I  cannot  work  to-night,"  she  said.  "  I  wish 
Hans  Van  Elslant  would  fix  all  the  reels  and  wheels 
on  the  chimney-tops.  He  said  to  me  once,  there  is 
no  need  that  women  should  spin  and  weave  all  the 
days  of  their  life.  He  says  the  wind  should  be  made 
to  do  all  the  work.  I  believe  as  he  does;  that  if  the 
wind  grinds  the  corn  for  the  men,  it  can  spin  flax  for 
us.  I  shall  ask  him  some  day  to  put  my  wheel  in  the 
place  of  the  weather-vane." 

"  What  would  the  world  come  to,  if  the  women  had 
no  spinning  or  weaving  to  keep  them  busy?"  said 
Herr  Roosevelt,  scornfully.  "  We  should  not  be  able 
to  live  for  the  scandal.  What  would  you  do,  my  fine 
lady,  if  you  neither  knit  nor  spun  ? " 

Elsie  looked  puzzled  a  moment,  but  she  did  not 
intend  to  give  up  her  view  of  the  matter.  She  replied, 
quizzically, 

"  Oh,  I  would  smoke  and  sit  by  the  fire,  and  put 
on  a  big  wig  and  go  to  the  Stadt  Huys  and  make  laws 
— good  laws,  not  such  as  forbid  games  at  Pinkster  and 
forbid  Maypoles." 

"  Aye,  woman  fashion,  you  confound  the  Direc 
tor's  proclamations  with  the  laws,"  interrupted  Hor- 
daunt. 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  161 

"  And  what  would  you  have  us  do  ?  "  asked  her 
father. 

"  Watch  the  wheels,  and  see  that  the  wind  does 
not  blow  them  away." 

"  Then  who  is  to  make  our  linsey-woolsey,  dimity 
and  linen,  our  butter,  cheese,  oly-koeks  and  noodles? 
Ah,  bah  !  we  should  be  starved,  poverty  stricken." 

"  But  we  should  have  all  the  more  time  to  fashion 
these  dainties,"  returned  Elsie. 

"  I  thought  you  were  going  to  the  Stadt  Huys  to 
make  laws  !  "  said  her  father,  drily. 

"  Truly ;  I  forgot,"  and  she  tossed  back  her  pretty 
head  and  laughed  with  the  rest  at  her  discomfiture. 

Mr.  Mordannt  really  set  out  for  Gravesend  that 
week,  and  received  a  cordial  welcome  at  Moody  Hall. 
Constance  rejoiced  at  his  return,  for  now  there  would 
be  no  misunderstandings  which  she  could  not  quickly 
remove  ;  unconstrained  by  the  presence  of  strangers, 
she  could  bestow  all  the  little  attentions  that  her  loving 
heart  suggested.  Mordaunt  was  satisfied  now.  He 
claimed  all  her  time,  with  no  rivals  to  trouble  him. 
But,  tormented  by  no  real  jealousy,  he  feigned  it  some 
times  in  order  to  test  her  affection,  or  to  delight  him 
self  with  the  telltale  expression  of  her  face  while  he 
told  his  doubts,  or  the  old,  and  always  sweet,  story  of 
his  love.  It  was  plain  that  her  life  was  daily  more 
and  more  absorbed  in  his. 

They  were  busy  with  the  future.  Plans  were 
made  for  the  betrothinent  at  an  early  day.  After 
consulting  with  Lady  Moody,  it  was  decided  that  the 
Zwallers  and  the  Stuyvesants  should  be  present  as 


162  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

witnesses  and  guests.  The  wedding  was  to  be  defer 
red  till  after  Mordaunt's  intended  journey  to  Virgin 
ia.  Meantime,  they  occupied  themselves  with  plans 
for  a  stone  house,  which  was  to  be  built  to  receive 
them  as  soon  as  they  were  ready  to  go  to  his  Virginia 
home.  Time  went  softly  with  downy  wing,  unnoted, 
except  as  it  brought  nearer  the  day  of  betrothment. 

Early  in  the  appointed  week,  a  messenger  came 
from  Governor  Stuyvesant,  asking  Mordaunt's  imme 
diate  service  in  a  case  which  threatened  difficulty 
with  England.  It  admitted  of  no  delay.  His  High 
Mightiness  wished  him  to  attend  upon  him  at  once. 
The  matter  was  submitted  to  a  family  council,  and 
all  admitted  that  it  was  for  his  interest  to  obey  the 
summons. 

"It  is  quite  right,"  said  Constance,  the  day  of  his 
departure,  "  though  Mistress  Primley  would  name  it 
an  ill  omen  to  postpone  our  plighting  a  second  time." 

"  I  may  not  be  long  detained,"  replied  Mordaunt, 
half  pleased  at  her  downcast  look,  though  pained  him 
self  at  this  new  separation. 

"  Will  you  make  me  a  promise  ? "  she  asked,  with  a 
beating  heart. 

"  Tell  me  iirst  your  demand." 

"  It  concerns  my  happiness." 

"  I  grant  it  then,"  said  he,  smiling  upon  her  in  his 
fascinating  way. 

""Whatever  reason  you  may  have  for  doubting  my 
love  for  you  while  absent,  will  you  tell  me  plainly,  and 
listen  to  my  explanation  before  condemning  me  ?  " 

"  Suspend  sentence  till  you  have  a  hearing,"  add- 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEK.  163 

ed  Mordaunt,  drawing  her  more  closely.  "  Granted 
and  sealed,"  said  he,  tenderly  bestowing  a  kiss. 

Constance  was  happier  for  this  promise.  The  pos 
sibility  of  its  being  broken  did  not  occur  to  her. 

When  he  had  gone,  the  house  seemed  wofully 
vacant.  Aunt  Deborah  and  Sir  Henry  were  but  shad 
ows  in  the  space  he  had  filled.  She  perceived  now 
how  much  he  was  to  her,  how  entirely  he  occupied 
her  thoughts  to  the  exclusion  of  others.  Lady  Moody 
saw  that  she  listlessly  returned  to  her  old  occupa 
tions. 

"  I  do  not  regret  the  delay  in  thy  formal  plight 
ing,"  she  said.  "  It  is  well  to  have  time  to  discover 
mutual  failings,  that  disappointment  may  not  creep 
into  the  heart  after  marriage." 

"  And  if  one  does  discover  ? "  suggested  Constance 
timidly. 

"  Thee  can  better  bear  and  forbear  than  if  sud 
denly  made  aware  of  faults.  Thou  and  Edward  are 
now  walking  in  the  moonlight  of  love.  Love  idealizes 
its  object,  just  as  the  natural  moonlight  softens  and 
beautifies  the  face  on  which  it  falls.  When  the  full 
day  of  married  life  shines  upon  thee,  it  will  grieve 
thee  to  behold  how  marred  is  the  visage  deemed  per 
fect,  unless  thy  knowledge  shall  prepare  thee." 

Constance  thought  of  the  many  troubled  hours 
that  had  come  already,  and  comforted  herself  that 
they  had  come  now  rather  than  later.  She  longed  to 

confide  this  to  her  aunt,  but no  !  Love  hushed  the 

words.  She  would  have  no  one  suspect  that  Mor 
daunt  lacked  aught  that  was  noble.  She  would  resent 


164  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

the  suspicion.  She  would  hide  it  from  her  own  eyes. 
He  was  gone  now.  She  would  think  only  of  his 
manly  figure,  his  handsome  features,  his  dreamy,  fas 
cinating  smile,  and  all  his  precious  words. 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  165 


XY. 

IT  was  late  in  March  when  Mr.  Mordaunt  went 
to  New  Amsterdam.  All  of  April  passed,  and  he  was 
still  detained.  During  this  time  he  had  journeyed 
into  New  England,  and  had  suffered  some  hardships 
in  his  travels.  But  he  assured  Constance  his  return 
was  now  not  far,  and  added  to  his  letter  the  request 
that  she  would  not  receive  Nicholas  Stuyvesaiit's 
visits,  for  he  had  heard  of  his  going  often  to  Moody 
Hall.  To  this  she  replied  that  he  did  not  come  to  see 
her,  but  to  confer  with  Sir  Henry  about  Lightfoot, 
which  he  desired  to  purchase  for  the  race-course.  If 
he  paid  any  court  to  her,  she  knew  that  it  was  for  the 
sake  of  winning  her  consent  to  the  sale.  "  I  cannot 
part  with  Lightfoot,"  she  wrote,  "  because  I  love  the 
creature  that  bore  us  so  well  out  of  danger,  and 
would  not  see  him  suffer  the  cruelties  of  tbe  races. 
Perhaps  Nicholas  thinks  he  can  overcome  my  scruples 
by  his  importunities,  which  only  serve  to  increase  my 
love  for  the  graceful  brute  he  would  take  from  me. 
It  was  only  yesterday  that  Aunt  Deborah  cbided  me 
for  putting  my  arms  round  Lightfoot's  neck  and  feed 
ing  him  with  some  of  Chloe's  good  bread."  To  this 
Mordaunt  crisply  replied,  that  "  so  many  journeys  to 
Gravesend  were  hardly  needed  for  the  barter  of  a 
horse."  Constance  sighed,  and  strove  to  avoid  even 
the  sight  of  Nicholas. 


166  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

The  sunny  days  of  early  May  had  come,  and  there 
was  much  to  be  done  without  and  within  the  house  to 
restore  freshness  after  the  long  winter.  Constance 
was  up  with  the  early  sun,  and  not  a  bird  in  the 
woods  beyond  the  green  meadow  sung  a  more  joyful 
song  than  was  carolled  from  her  lips  while  perform 
ing  her  share  of  duties.  The  gardener  had  com 
menced  his  pleasant  task,  Pete  and  Mingo  were 
ploughing  the  fields,  Tobee  was  once  more  watching 
his  flocks  and  cows,  and  when  night  came  called 
them  lazily  as  of  old,  leading  them  to  their  night  enclo 
sure  with  the  monotonous  cry  of  "  Home  !  Home !  " 
Within,  Rose  was  rejoicing  over  the  deepening  yellow 
of  her  dairy  treasures,  and  Chloe  was  grumbling  that 
the  winter  store  was  failing,  that  neither  field  nor  gar 
den  yielded  anything  to  her  purpose,  and  made  great 
ado  that  she  was  expected  to  concoct  fine  dinners 
from  an  empty  larder,  yet  never  failed  to  serve  a  feast 
when  occasion  required. 

On  one  of  these  bright  days  of  happy  waiting  for 
Mordaunt,  Constance  was  sowing  flower-seeds  in  the 
borders  of  the  garden  walk.  A  wide-rimmed  hat 
shielded  her  face  from  the  sun.  Sir  Henry  was  stand 
ing  by  the  gateway  just  outside  the  palisades,  looking 
at  his  new  chaise  lately  brought  from  England,  and 
which  he  and  Nicholas  Stuyvesant  had  been  trying. 
Seeing  Constance  in  the  garden,  he  called  her. 

"  Come  and  take  an  airing  in  the  new  chaise  with 
Nicholas.  Tell  me  if  it  is  not  as  good  as  a  coach,  and 
better  than  a  pillion." 

"  How  shall  I  be  able  to  tell  yon,  when  I  have 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEB.  167 

never  ridden  in  a  coach  ?  •  The  sight  of  those  whir 
ring  wheels  at  my  side  will  make  me  dizzy." 
"  No,  you  will  forget  the  wheels." 
"  But  1  am  ill-dressed  to  ride  in  so  fine  state." 
"  "Well  enough,"  said  Sir  Henry. 
"  Perhaps  it  would  please  Aunt  Deborah  to  try  it." 
"  No,  she  thinks  it  a  whirligig,  and  not  becoming 
to  her  staidness,"  persisted    Sir  Henry,  who,  seeing 
his  cousin's  reluctance,  was  all  the  more  determined 
she  should  go.     It  was  of  no  use  to  oppose  his  whims. 
Constance  yielded,  placed  a  stone  upon  the  seed-pa 
pers  and  took  her  seat  in  the  chaise  beside  Nicholas, 
with  some  misgivings.     Away  they  rolled,  leaving  Sir 
Henry  looking  after  them  in  admiration  of  the  vehicle, 
and  drawing  after  them,  for  a  long  way,  a  troop  of 
boys  who  stared  at  it  with  open-mouthed  wonder. 

The  road  was  grass-grown  ;  even  the  cart-tracks 
were  not  sufficiently  worn  to  throw  dust,  so  that  the 
wheels  rolled  almost  noiselessly  along  the  way,  rat 
tling  over  a  chance  stone  or  rumbling  quickly  across 
the  rude  planks  that  bridged  an  occasional  stream.  It 
was  a  perfect  day  for  a  drive.  The  air  was  velvety  to 
the  cheek,  and  balmy  with  the  new  verdure  and  the 
May-blossoms.  The  young,  glossy  leaves  upon  the 
trees  stretched  themselves  in  the  sun,  after  their  long 
sleep  in  the  downy  buds.  One  could  almost  see  them 
shake  themselves  out  and  grow.  Yiolets  peeped  out 
from  the  green  grass  beneath,  wake-robins  spread  out 
their  purple  and  white  petals  in  gaping  wonder  at  the 
beautiful  world  around  them,  and  the  spring  beauties, 
delicate  enough  to  wreath  a  fairy's  head,  innocently 


163  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

lifted  their  faces  from  the  mossy  knolls,  content 
with  their  humble  place. 

Wherever  these  flowers  flecked  the  ground  with 
their  blue,  white,  and  purple,  Constance  begged  to 
alight  and  gather,  till  her  broad  hat  was  crowned,  and 
her  hands  and  her  lap  were  fully  laden. 

"  They  are  wasted,"  said  she,  seeing  them  begin  to 
wilt.  "  Homesick  little  things,  I  am  sorry  I  took  you 
out  of  the  cool  grass.  Do  not  gather  any  more,  Nich 
olas,  they  please  me  best  where  they  grow.  These 
have  lost  their  beauty.  I  do  not  like  to  hold  them. 
They  are  like  dead  hopes." 

Without  loitering  for  more,  they  sped  on,  too  ex 
hilarated  by  the  fresh  breeze  and  joy  in  the  redundant 
life  everywhere  visible,  to  notice  how  far  they  had 
driven,  till  a  sudden  turn  brought  them  in  sight  of  the 
great  white  oak.  The  road  was  straight  for  half  a  mile 
beyond.  A  horseman  was  riding  towards  then).  Trav 
ellers  were  not  frequent,  and  it  was  easy  to  imagine 
him  to  be  Mordaunt.  They  decided  not  to  turn  back 
yet,  but  to  drive  slowly  and  meet  him. 

"I  am  sure  it  is  he,  I  know  his  plumes,"  said  Con 
stance.  Her  face  lighted  with  pleasure.  Then  she 
remembered  her  dusty  dress  and  her  tossed  hair,  and 
how  observing  and  scrupulous  he  was.  A  quick 
thought  of  the  pretty  dimity  in  which  she  intended 
to  have  met  him,  vexed  her.  Then  it  flashed  upon 
her  that  Nicholas  was  beside  her,  and  she  would  have 
given  worlds  if  she  was  only  back  in  the  garden  sow 
ing  seeds.  What  would  Mordaunt  think  ?  She  was 
frightened  now.  Mistress  Primley  with  all  her  croak- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  169 

ings  crowded  into  her  thoughts.  The  dead  flowers 
and  dead  hopes  came  to  mind,  and  she  shook  the  with 
ered  blossoms  all  out  of  her  lap. 

By  this  time  the  rider  approached,  and  was  survey 
ing  the  chaise  and  its  occupants  as  he  came  near. 
Constance  leaned  forward  to  speak.  Mordaunt  looked 
incredulous,  then  astonished,  then  angry ;  so  angry 
that  the  veins  of  his  temples  were  swollen.  Striking 
his  spurs  into  his  horse,  it  leaped  forward  and  dashed 
along  the  road  in  a  bounding  gallop.  Constance 
dropped  back  in  her  seat,  and  was  silent.  Nicholas 
knew  she  was  pained  at  the  angry  slight,  and  tried  to 
palliate  it. 

"  He  could  not  have  known  us.  The  rim  of  your 
hat  almost  hides  your  face.  Then  too,  this  grand 
new  chaise  !  How  could  he  recognize?  it,  when  he  has 
never  seen  it?  He  did  not  know  us."  Turning  about, 
he  flourished  his  whip  and  followed  fast  after  Mordaunt, 
who  presently  disappeared  in  the  windings  of  the  road. 

The  chaise  rolled  softly  and  swiftly  over  the  grassy 
road,  between  the  same  clearings  and  forest  as  when 
they  went ;  but  the  wayside  flowers  were  not  noted, 
nor  did  the  woods  ring  with  Constance's  laughter. 
The  two  were  as  if  they  had  grown  old  since  passing 
before.  Nicholas  began  to  perceive  the  truth — that 
Mordaunt  was  jealous  of  him.  He  could  understand 
now  the  conduct  which  he  had  attributed  to  the  pee 
vishness  of  illness.  Why  had  he  been  so  stupid?  Con 
stance  avoided  him  often,  and  this  was  the  reason! 
He  sat  dumb  beside  her,  his  eyes  opening  clearly  to 
his  own  folly. 


170  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

"Why  have  I  involved  myself  in  this  new  trouble  ? 
Am  I  to  be  a  perpetual  thorn  to  my  friends  ?  "  he 
thought.  "Am  I  bait  on  the  devil's  rod,  held  out  to 
draw  all  whom  I  love  and  esteem  into  difficulty  and 
misery?  and  shall  I  dangle  thus  always?  Those 
races  have  got  me  this  sweetness.  Oh,  that  I  were 
back  in  the  mill !  Once  out  of  this  affair  with  Mor1 
daunt  (and  who  knows  how  the  mad  fellow  will  end 
it),  I  will  back  to  my  flour-bags.  Bother  Lightfoot ! 
I  will  pay  Baltazzar.  Good  soul !  he  is  tired  of 
grumbling." 

The  chaise  was  now  rolling  along  by  the  palisades  ; 
in  a  moment  it  stopped  at  the  entrance.  Nicholas 
looked  about  as  if  not  quite  sure  as  to  the  kind  of 
reception  awaiting  him.  No  one  was  there,  however, 
but  Mingo,  who  led  the  horse  away  as  if  there  had 
been  no  other  arrival.  Constance  went  quickly  to  the 
Library.  No  one  was  there.  Finding  her  aunt,  she 
asked,  surprised, 

"Is  not  Mr.  Mordaunt  arrived  ? " 
"Nay.     Did  thee  look  for  him  this  morning  ?  " 
"  He  passed  us  in  our  drive,  and  I  thought  to  find 
him  here."     Constance  told  it  all,  and  then  asked, 
"  Was  I  wrong  to  go  witli  Nicholas  ?  " 
"  I  see  no  fault  in  thee.     Neither  will  Edward, 
when  he  knows  how  it  happened."     Constance  shook 
her  head  sadly. 

"  Has  he  been  thus  displeased  before  ?  " 
"  Never  so  deeply.     Aunt  Deborah,  I  ought  not 
to  have  gone." 

"  If  Edward  is  jealous-minded,  thee  must  not  shut 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEU.  171 

tliine  eyes  to  it.  It  will  mar  all  thy  happiness  and 
his.  Be  a  true  woman  and  tell  him  his  fault  wisely, 
and  help  him  mend.  Is  not  thy  courage  sufficient  ?  " 

"  I  spoke  plainly  once,  and  ever  so  gently  ;  yet  he 
was  angry." 

"  My  child,  it  is  better  to  pluck  the  thistles  now  if 
they  do  sting  thee,  else  they  will  overgrow  and  de 
stroy  all  the  love-blossoms.  Edward's  affection  will 
be  a  torment  rather  than  a  joy  in  thy  future,  if  he  per 
sists  in  this  wise." 

"  Aunt  Deborah,  you  tell  him  all  this  when  he 
comes,  will  you  not  ? " 

"  He  would  take  it  more  kindly  from  thee." 

Constance  sat  plucking  the  flowers  to  pieces,  leaf 
by  leaf,  from  the  wreathed  hat  lying  in  her  lap. 

"  Edward  may  yet  come.  Thee  had  better  change 
thy  garden  dress,"  said  her  aunt,  smiling  gently  at  the 
decorated  hat.  Thus  reminded,  she  hastened  away 
to  freshen  her  toilet. 

All  that  day  she  watched  for  Mr.  Mordaunt,  ut 
terly  unable  to  occupy  herself  as  usual.  She  went  to 
the  door  at  every  sound,  only  to  be  disappointed. 
Every  footstep  made  her  heart  beat  quickly,  for  she 
thought  he  meant  to  surprise  her.  Once  or  twice, 
when  she  believed  no  one  saw  her,  she  walked  out 
side  the  palisades  to  look  along  the  road  for  him. 
Night  qame  without  him.  "  He  will  come  to-mor 
row,"  she  said  cheerfully  to  herself,  yet  the  next  day, 
and  the  next,  brought  the  same  hope  and  the  same 
disappointment.  A  week  later,  Tiuion,  the  Round 
head  weaver,  came  from  a  trip  to  New  Amsterdam  ; 


172  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

in  answer  to  Sir  Henry's  inquiries,  he  said  that  Mr. 
Mordaunt  was  at  Herr  Eoosevelt's.  Sir  Henry  was 
in  a  rage  at  the  conduct  of  his  friend.  He  pro 
nounced  it  unworthy  of  a  true  cavalier,  unmanly,  un 
generous,  and  would  have  continued  to  denounce  him, 
had  not  Constance  astonished  him  by  rising  up  in  his 
defence. 

"  It  is  not  easy  to  serve  the  fair  sex.  One  never 
knows  on  which  side  of  a  question  to  iind  them," 
said  he. 

A  few  days  afterward,  he  asked  Constance  to  go 
with  him  to  New  Amsterdam.  They  would  go  in 
the  chaise  as  far  as  Breuklyn.  The  pleasant  weather 
and  the  cradle-like  chaise  were  not  to  be  resisted. 
Perhaps,  too,  the  possibility  of  meeting  Mordaunt 
was  not  the  least  of  the  reasons  why  she  gladly  con 
sented.  They  accordingly  set  out  in  the  morning  of 
a  cheery  day,  and  reached  Breuklyn  in  time  for  Cor 
nelius  Dirksen's  noon  trip  across  the  ferry. 

When  Constance  arrived  at  tho  Zwaller's,  she 
found  Dame  Zwaller  seated  in  the  doorway,  stitching 
a  jacket  of  linen  fustian.  A  heart-shaped  pincushion 
pierced  with  needles  and  pins,  a  pair  of  scissors,  an  oil 
skin  bag  of  thread,  and  a  bunch  of  keys,  all  dangled 
from  her  apron-strings,  significant  of  thrift.  Mistress 
Primley  sat  within,  stitching  also  industriously.  She 
looked  up  on  hearing  a  voice,  and  then  threw  up  her 
hands,  as  she  always  did  at  sight  of  Constance. 

"  I  knew  you  were  coming,  for  my  scissors  stuck 
fast  in  the  floor,  and  the  pins  pointed  to  Gravesend 
when  they  fell,"  she  exclaimed. 


COXSTAXCE   AYLMER.  173 

"  Your  scissors  and  pins  are  wiser  than  mine,  then, 
for  though  they  often  fall,  nobody  comes,"  laughed 
Constance. 

"  You  should  have  told  me  what  they  said,"  added 
Dame  Zwaller,  "  and  I  would  have  laid  by  a  bit  of 
that,  fine  cod  for  her  comfort."  Saying  this,  she 
bustled  about,  setting  a  repast  fit  for  a  princess, 
though  Constance  protested  she  desired  nothing  better 
than  her  white  bread  and  sweet  milk.  Meantime, 
Mistress  Primley  was  reciting  some  harmless  gossip, 
prattling  about  Lisbet  and  Hans  Yan  Elslant,  how 
they  strolled  on  the  Battery  at  sunset,  or  walked  to 
the  bowery  on  pleasant  Saturdays,  and  how  Hans  had 
sported  big  yellow  daffies  in  his  button-hole  at  church, 
as  if  everybody  did  not  know  they  came  from  Lisbet's 
garden. 

"A  fine  couple  they  will  make,  with  his  head 
always  among  the  stars  and  hers  always  in  her  neigh 
bor's  affairs.  One  would  think  such  a  man  of  learn 
ing  would  be  loath  to  marry  a  chatter-box,"  she  said, 
forgetting  her  work  and  folding  her  fat  hands  pensive 
ly.  But  she  resumed  it  again,  as  Dame  Zwaller  came 
back  to  tell  Constance  that  Barbara  was  with  her  to 
day,  and  had  gone  up  to  see  the  Domine's  wife.  She 
would  send  Minxey  to  call  her  home  as  soon  as  she 

had  finished  standing  the  dishes  in  the  dresser. 

, 

So  small  a  detention  as  this  simple  placing  of  dishes 
was  to  make  a  vast  difference  in  Constance  Aylmer's 
life.  If  Dame  Zwaller  could  only  have  seen  the  little 
measure  of  time  left  in  which  to  save  all  Constance's 
dreams  of  earthly  happiness,  she  would  have  sent 


174  CONSTANCE    AYLMKII. 

Minxey  on  the  wings  of  the  wind.  But  there  they 
sat,  quietly  chatting  in  the  doorway,  while  Minxey 
idled  at  her  task  and  the  minutes  were  oozing  away 
like  life-drops  !  It  is  no  chance  that  holds  them  thus 
in  durance.  It  is  the  will  of  an  Almighty  Father 
that  joins  the  insignificant  links  of  circumstance  that 
bind  Constance  to-day.  A  bitter  cup  is  preparing, 
but  through  it  her  soul  will  rise  into  a  nobler  life. 

Minxey  goes  at  last,  but  it  is  no  matter  if  she  goes 
now. 

Barbara  comes  in  breathless  haste,  throws  her 
arms  around  her  friend  and  kisses  her,  but  her  face  is 
smileless  and  troubled. 

"  Come  with  me  to  Elsie  Roosevelt's,  will  you  ? " 
she  whispered,  "  now — quickly !  " 

Constance  assented,  puzzled  very  much  by  her 
agitation  and  evident  wish  not  to  be  overheard. 

"  "What  is  it  that  troubles  you,  Barbara  ? "  she 
asked,  trying  to  keep  pace  with  her  quick  steps  along 
the  street. 

"  I  know  nothing — I  fear  only.  Domine  Mega- 
polensis  went  there  a  half  hour  ago,  and  I  am  afraid — 
no,  I  will  not  tell  you  my  foolish  fears.  We  will  see." 

Could  anything  have  happened  to  Mordaunt  ? 
Was  he  very  ill  again?  Perhaps  dying;  and  was  it 
her  fault  ? 

A  few  moments'  walk  brought  them  tfc  Herr 
Roosevelt's  house.  The  door  stood  wide  open,  but  no 
one  was  visible.  It  was  very  quiet  there.  As  the 
two  came  nearer,  a  voice  in  prayer  reached  them. 
Barbara  trembled  with  agitation.  She  went  in  for  an 


CONSTANCE    AYOIEE.  175 

instant,  then  drew  back,  holding  Constance  from 
entering,  and  said,  in  a  low  tone  of  distress, 

"  Too  late  !  oh,  too  late  ! " 

Constance  tore  herself  away,  and  went  in.  There 
stood  Edward  Mordaunt  and  Elsie  Roosevelt,  jubt 
united  in  marriage.  She  stood  speechless  with  amaze 
ment.  A  shock  of  intense  pain  went  to  her  heart. 
She  attempted  to  speak,  but  her  voice  refused  to  obey. 
She  leaned  dizzily  against  the  wall,  and  then,  lest  she 
could  not  sustain  herself,  sank  upon  a  chair.  She 
looked  again  at  Mordaunt,  who,  though  the  Domine 
was  still  praying,  glanced  up  at  the  intruder.  He 
turned  his  eyes  away  from  the  agonized  face. 

"Edward,  Edward,  what  have  you  done?"  she 
cried,  regardless  of  the  interruption.  Mordaunt  drop 
ped  the  hand  of  his  bride,  and  stood  white  and  silent. 
The  Domine  ceased  his  invocation,  and  turned  at  the 
sound  of  that  wailing  voice. 

"  What  is  this  ? "  he  questioned  sternly.  "  Is  there 
any  reason  why  I  should  not  have  united  these  two 
in  marriage  ? " 

Constance  did  not  know  what  he  said,  or  to  whom 
he  spoke.  Her  eyes  were  fastened  upon  Mordaunt 
as  they  might  have  been  if  he  was  dying.  She  was 
looking  into  the  grave  of  their  hopes,  with  nothing 
beyond  it  to  soothe  her  despair.  The  Domine  turned 
almost  fiercely  to  Mordaunt. 

"  Is  this  the  reason  of  your  desired  secrecy  ?  I 
would  not  have  officiated,  had  I  suspected  this." 
There  was  no  reply,  but  a  look  of  haughty  defiance. 

"  Herr  Koosevelt,  will  you  explain  it  ? "  demanded 


176  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

the  agitated  pastor,  pushing  back  his  huge  wig  and 
wiping  his  brow.  But  the  Herr  was  quite  as  much 
astonished  as  he,  and  could  give  no  reply.  Meantime, 
Dame  Roosevelt,  seeing  the  pallor  and  the  pain  in 
Constance's  face,  went  to  offer  aid,  but  she  would 
have  none.  Summoning  her  utmost  strength,  she 
arose  and  without  a  word  went  away  with  Barbara, 
who  wept  as  if  her  heart  would  break.  When  they 
reached  home,  Barbara  threw  herself  into  her  mother's 
arms,  exclaiming, 

"  Oh,  mother !  Mr.  Mordaunt  and  Elsie  are  mar 
ried.  He  was  plighted  to  Constance.  The  betrothal 
would  have  happened  long  ago,  but  for  the  Lord  Di 
rector  keeping  him  here  so  long." 

Dame  Z waller  frowned  till  her  eyebrows  met.  It 
was  all  too  sudden  to  believe.  She  had  long  guessed 
at  the  betrothal. 

"  It  cannot  be  a  lawful  marriage.  They  have  not 
been  published." 

"  Yes,"  said  Barbara,  "  I  knew  from  Baltazzar 
that  His  Highness  the  Director  granted  him  a  license 
as  a  high  favor,  but  we  believed  he  was  to  wed  Con 
stance  in  haste  because  of  so  many  long  delays."  She 
burst  into  fresh  tears  on  seeing  again  how  white  and 
unnatural  Constance  looked,  and  how  strangely- her 
voice  sounded.  Dame  Zwaller  went  quickly  for  a 
glass  of  wine,  and  forbore  asking  any  more  questions. 
Mistress  Primley  sat  in  her  chair,  swaying  herself 
back  and  forth  in  miserable  uncertainty  what  to  do  or 
say.  It  was  like  a  thunderbolt  out  of  a  clear  sky,  and 
it  stunned  her  into  silence. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  177 

Poor  suffering  Constance  went  restlessly  from  one 
place  to  another,  now  in  this  seat,  now  in  that,  and 
now  to  the  doorway  to  catch  the  breeze.  Dame  Zwal- 
ler  would  have  put  her  arms  around  her ;  Mistress 
Primley  would  have  folded  her  to  her  bosom,  but  she 
was  so  cold  and  tearless,  so  proud  in  her  struggle,  that 
neither  could  console. 

"  You  had  better  lie  down  and  rest,"  suggested 
Dame  Zwaller,  not  knowing  what  else  to  propose,  and 
seeing  her  walking  to  and  fro  as  if  her  very  spirit  was 
striving  to  escape  out  of  its  prison. 

"  No"  answered  Constance  in  a  voice  that  was 
not  hers,  "  I  am  well — quite  well.  I  would  only  that 
I  was  in  my  little  chamber  at  home.  Can  you  not 
find  Sir  Henry  ?  "  Her  pleading  look  could  not  be 
refused.  Barbara  sped  with  the  summons  herself,  and 
it  was  not  long  before  he  came  with  great  strides  up 
the  street.  As  soon  as  he  saw  Constance,  he  put  his 
arms  around  her  and  folded  her  to  his  breast,  laying 
his  hand  soothingly  on  her  head. 

"  Dear  Constance,  he  was  not  worthy  of  you ! " 
said  he,  in  a  low  voice. 

"  Will  you  take  me  home  ?  "  she  entreated,  with 
drawing  herself,  as  if  no  sympathy  could  dissolve  her 
to  tears. 

"  Go  home  to-night !  "  he  exclaimed.  Then  looking 
steadfastly  and  troubled  at  her  pallid  face,  he  added, 
"  Ton  are  not  able  to  journey.  "Wait  till  to-morrow." 

"  Impossible  !  I  must  go  alone,  if  you  cannot  take 
me.  Oh,  take  me  home!  " 

"  You  are  a  brave  girl.  You  neither  faint  nor 
8* 


178  CONSTANCE   AYLMEIi. 

weep.  You  should  Lave  been  a  Roman  maiden. 
What  think  yon,  Dame  Z waller?  Can  she  hear  the 
journey  ? " 

"  Better  to-day  than  to-morrow,"  said  the  good 
dame.  "  She  will  not  care  to  see  all  the  gossipers, 
who  will  be  at  their  wits  end  about  this  strange  af 
fair." 

"  Yery  well.  I  shall  be  ready  in  ten  minutes," 
said  Sir  Henry,  placing  his  hat  lightly  on  the  top  of 
his  huge  periwig.  "  I  wish  to  pay  my  respects  to  the 
groom  and  bride  a  moment,*5  he  added  aside  to  .Dame 
Zwaller.  She  looked  after  him  with  some  fear  as  to 
what  he  might  intend,  for  there  was  nothing  gentle  in 
his  face  or  gait  as  he  went.  It  did  not  take  much 
time  to  reach  the  Roosevelt's  at  this  pace.  The  door 
was  still  open.  The  mortified  Domine  had  gone,  and 
Mr.  Mordaunt  was  alone,  walking  back  and  forth 
with  his  head  bowed.  He  stopped  at  sight  of  Sir 
Henry,  and  straightened  himself  defiantly  as  if  expect 
ing  an  onset.  But  Sir  Henry  approached  wearing 
the  blandest  of  smiles,  strangely  out  of  keeping  with 
the  fire  in  his  eyes.  He  bowed  profoundly,  and  with 
a  most  cavalierly  wave  of  the  hand,  said, 

"  Permit  me  to  accord  to  you  the  highest  pinnacle 
of  your  profession,  since  you  have  so  ably  outwitted 
the  law  and  your  best  friends.  Allow  me  also  to  oifer 
you  my  most  profound  gratitude  for  saving  my  incom 
parable  kinswoman  from  a  life  of  petty  tyranny  by 
the  generous  sacrifice  of  yourself  to-day !  I  beg  you 
will  give  my  heart-felt  condolences  to  Madam  Mor 
daunt.  Farewell,  sir." 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  179 

Mr.  Mordaunt  was  too  confounded  by  this  unex 
pected  address  to  feel  it  as  keenly  at  first  as  after  Sir 
Henry  had  politely  bowed  himself  out.  It  rankled  as 
deeply  then  as  his  bitterest  enemy  could  have  wished. 


180  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 


XYI. 

IT  was  late  when  the  travellers  reached  home. 
Lady  Moody  was  much  alarmed  at  their  unexpect 
ed  return,  and  not  less  so  at  its  explanation.-  Con 
stance  refused  aid,  saying  she  required  nothing  but 
rest.  The  double  journey  of  the  day  had  greatly  fa 
tigued  her.  She  assured  her  aunt  that  she  would  be 
in  her  usual  spirits  the  next  morning,  and  would  then 
tell  her  all  that  had  passed.  So  earnest  was  her  de 
sire  to  be  alone,  that,  after  assisting  her  to  undress, 
Lady  Moody  left  her  to  the  loneliness  of  her  own 
chamber,  and  descended  to  the  Library  to  inquire 
more  particularly  of  her  son  of  the  day's  occurrences. 

Once  alone,  Constance  threw  herself  upon  the  bed, 
buried  her  face  deep  among  the  pillows,  and  gave  vent 
in  tearless  sobs  and  moans  to  the  pent-up  agony  of 
that  endless  day.  It  was  as  if  her  heart  was  clenched 
in  the  grasp  of  a  strong  hand,  which  tightened  its 
pressure  at  every  thought  of  Mordannt,  till  she  cried 
out  in  anguish.  All  the  sweet  interviews,  his  tender 
expressions  that  had  thrilled  her,  his  manly  figure,  his 
face,  that  was  as  an  Apollo's  in  her  loving  eyes — each 
came  vividly  before  her  with  the  remembrance  that 
they  were  hers  no  longer.  She  could  not  recall  his 
faults.  He  had  none  now,  any  more  than  if  he  had  been 
her  precious  dead.  But  she  did  recall  her  own  acts 
that  had  offended  him,  magnified  them,  and  reproached 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  181 

herself.  She  felt  certain  still  that  he  loved  her  rather 
than  Elsie,  and  then  came  again  the  remembrance  of 
the  great  gulf  he  had  h'xed  between  them. 

"All  through  this  life — all  through!  I  wonder 
how  long  it  will  be ! "  she  moaned,  tossing  herself 
about.  Then  she  sprang  up,  and  threw  herself  upon 
her  knees  before  the  window.  The  stars  were  glim 
mering  just  as  merrily  as  if  her  heart  was  not  break 
ing.  She  looked  into  the  far  space,  and  reached  out 
her  arms,  crying, 

"  Oh,  my  mother !  oh,  my  father !  If  I  could  go 
to  you  !  "  But  the  heavens  did  not  open ;  the  stars 
glimmered  coldly.  If  the  sky  had  rolled  away,  and 
the  stars  had  fallen,  it  would  have  offered  the  relief 
of  terror.  Any  emotion  seemed  sweet,  compared  with 
this  pressure  of  agony.  She  understood  now  how 
some  poor  souls  were  driven  to  suicide,  and  pitied 
them.  But  she  had  no  thought  of  such  a  way  of 
escape  for  herself;  she  was  only  measuring  and 
weighting  this  heavy  burden  that  she  was  to  carry  all 
her  life.  She  resolved  that  none  should  know  how 
heavy  it  was.  The  first  moments  of  sharpest  suffer 
ing  were  over ;  perhaps  she  might  conquer  the  rest. 
Even  now,  as  she  sat  there  thinking,  she  felt  more 
composed.  She  would  seek  rest,  and  be  stronger  to 
morrow.  Thinking  thus,  she  went  back  to  her  tent- 
bed  and  laid  herself  down,  calm  and  heavy-eyed,  to 
sleep.  It  was  as  if  decoyed  into  a  fresh  survey  of  all 
the  charmed  past  and  the  dismal  future.  A  smoth 
ered  wailing  cry  burst  from  her  lips,  and  she  sprang 
again  to  her  feet,  shivering  with  the  intensity  of  her 


182  CONSTANCE    AYLMEB. 

emotion.  Still  she  thought  to  come  off  conqueror. 
She  summoned  all  her  poor  human  strength,  and 
quieted  herself  to  rest,  only  to  suffer  again  those 
overpowering  surges  of  sorrow.  Yet  she  shed  no 
tears. 

Lady  Moody  had  made  no  effort  to  sleep.  She 
talked  with  Sir  Henry  till  after  midnight,  then  prayed 
earnestly  that  this  sorrow  might  not  harden  the  young 
heart  upon  which  it  had  fallen,  but  might  turn  it 
heavenward.  She  went  several  times  to  Constance's 
chamber  door,  but  hearing  no  sound,  returned  pleased 
in  the  belief  that  sleep  had  brought  a  short  respite. 
At  early  dawn,  however,  she  heard  footsteps  upon  the 
floor,  and  did  not  hesitate  now  to  enter. 

"  Thee  has  slept  a  little  ? " 

"No;  I  cannot.  Shall  I  ever  sleep  again,  Aunt 
Deborah  ? "  Lady  Moody  approached,  took  both  hands 
in  hers,  and  felt  them  burning  with  fever. 

"  My  precious  child,  this  must  not  be.  I  thought 
thee  sleeping  all  these  hours,"  said  she.  "  Why  did 
thee  not  come  to  me  ? " 

"I  would  not  disturb  you,  dear  aunt.  You  can 
not  help  me.  No  one  can." 

"  No  one !  "  said  Lady  Moody,  with  sadness  in  her 
tone. .  "  Thee  is  looking  only  to  thyself,  poor  heart, 
for  support.  Thy  strength  will  fail  thee.  Even  I  am 
but  a  bruised  reed  to  lean  upon ;  but  there  is  One 
who  says,  *  Come  unto  me,  ye  weary  and  heavy-laden.' 
He  will  be  thy  father,  mother,  friend.  Tell  him  thy 
suffering.  Go,  lean  upon  his  great  heart  of  love." 

"  Why  did  He  permit  it  ?     I  cannot  go  to  him." 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEE.  183 

"  Ah,  my  beloved  child,  I  do  grieve  for  thee ;  for 
thou  art  in  the  furnace.  But  Christ  sits  as  the  refiner, 
and  he  will  bring  thee  out  purified  like  molten  silver, 
if  thee  will  but  trust  him.  Trust  him,  Constance, 
without  asking  why." 

Constance  did  not  reply,  but  laid  herself  down 
and  closed  her  eyes.  The  words  soothed  her.  Lady 
Moody  drew  aside  the  soft  folds  of  the  blue  drapery, 
that  she  might  not  be  shut  in  wholly  to  herself,  bathed 
her  head  and  hands  with, cool  water,  and  gave  her  an 
opiate.  She  did  not  go  away,  but  rather  busied  her 
self  gently  about  the  room,  as  if  to  console  Constance 
with 'the  cheering  presence  of  one  loving  human 
being,  now  and  then  telling  her  something  cheery  in 
a  dreamy  way,  in  spite  of  the  heavy  sighs  and  tear 
less  sobs  that  would  sometimes  overwhelm  her.  At 
last,  when  the  sun  was  high,  and  the  sounds  of  full 
day  diverted  her  ear  from  listening  so  much  to  those 
inner  thoughts,  she  fell  asleep.  Then  came  Lady 
Moody's  most  anxious  hours.  She  watched  near  her 
all  that  day,  caring  for  her  as  the  most  skilful 
physician  could  have  done,  praying  for  her  as  only  a 
mother  can. 

Constance  awoke  near  evening.  She  wondered 
at  first  why  she  was  there.  Then  full  consciousness 
came  back,  and  she  wished  she  had  not  wakened. 
.Her  heart  felt  so  like  lead  within  her ;  and  there  was 
nothing  to  wake  for.  A  robin,  perched  upon  a  tree 
near  the  window,  was  singing  with  all  its  might  a 
rolicking  little  song.  It  was  harshly  out  of  tune  with 
her  soul. 


184  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

"  Aunt  Deborah,  I  wisli  the  bird  would  not  sing," 
said  she,  plaintively.  "  Even  the  sunset  glares  to 
night;  its  shining  is  doleful.  Will  it  never  seem 
beautiful  to  me  again  ? " 

"It  is  only  because  thy  soul  is  down  in  the  valley. 
Thou  wilt  reach  the  hill-tops  soon,  God  willing." 
Lady  Moody  gently  frightened  away  the  innocent 
bird,  and  partly  closed  the  heavy  shutters  while  she 
was  speaking.  As  she  turned  about,  she  saw  lyano 
standing  in  the  doorway.  His  coming  never  startled 
her  now.  It  was  his  habit  to  come  at  intervals  since 
his  first  hearing  of  the  Scriptures,  both  to  listen  to  its 
reading  and  to  learn  to  read  it  himself.  Lady  Moody 
had  with  great  patience  taught  him  the  alphabet. 
She  had  grown  accustomed  to  his  sudden  intrusions, 
and  welcomed  him  gladly  now;  for  might  not  his 
presence  touch  a  chord  of  sympathy  that  would  at 
least  bring  the  relief  of  tears  to  Constance.  He  re 
fused  to  enter,  but  stood  looking  wistfully  at  her. 

"  Me  no  hear  the  maiden's  song.  Her  feet  no  find 
the  forest.  lyano  feel  bad." 

She  could  not  but  remember  Omanee,  and  his 
revengeful  looks  at  her  loss.  The  change  that  had 
gradually  been  wrought  in  him,  through  this  loss,  also 
came  to  mind  as  she  regarded  him. 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you,  lyano,"  she  said. 

"  The  mother  gave  poor  Indian  medicine  from  the 
Great  Book.  Jesus  Christ  put  his  hand  on  lyano's 
heart,  and  he  no  sick  anymore.  Why  no  the  maiden 
take  the  good  medicine  she  gave  lyano  ?  " 

She  could  make  no  reply.    It  had  been  an  easy  task 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  185 

to  comfort  him  out  of  that  source  of  Life,  but  it  was 
strangely  hard  to  seek  the  relief  for  herself. 

''Me  ask  Jesus  to  come  see  the  white  maid 
en  ? " 

"Yea,  friend,  do  thon!"  said  Lady  Moody,  the 
tears  rolling  quickly  over  her  cheeks  at  the  childlike 
simplicity  of  his  faith. 

The  once  fierce  savage  knelt  humbly  and  prayed : 

"  O  Great  Father,  me  only  poor  Indian.  But 
•svlien  me  heavy,  good  Jesus  come  and  lift  me  up,  and 
say,  what  for  you  bow  down  like  bulrush?  He  love 
ine,  he  shine  on  me,  he  take  away  stone  and  give  me 
new  heart.  Me  no  sorry  any  more.  Why  no  come 
see  white  maiden,  and  make  her  glad  like  lyano? 
Great  Father  did  let  one  make  her  sick  to  die,  and 
now  he  send  Jesus  to  shine  on  her  and  bless  her  very 
much.  Yes  ;  Jesus  want  much  to  speak  to  her  heart. 
Tell  her  no  hide  her  face  so  she  see  no  shine.  Great 
Manitou !  hear  poor  Indian  prayer,  because  he  love 
Jesus ! " 

Constance's  sympathy  was  touched.  She  knew 
what  this  humble  friend  had  suffered.  She  felt  her 
own  weakness,  and  she  well  knew  the  strength  of  the 
proffered  arm.  She  must  lean  upon  it  now,  or  reject 
the  blessing.  She  attempted  to  speak  as  lyano  arose, 
but  her  lips  trembled,  tears  that  could  not  be  repressed, 
stole  over  her  cheeks,  and  she  hid  her  face  in  the  pil 
low  and  wept  abundantly.  What  a  luxury  and  a 
healing !  What  a  relief  to  her  burning  head  and 
aching  heart ! 

"  Let  thy  will  be  mine,  O  Christ,  forever !   Forgive 


186  CONSTANCE    AYLMEK. 

me,  that  I  have  doubted  thy  love  in  this  misery.  Keep 
ine  as  thy  child,"  she  murmured. 

lyano  went  away  as  quietly  as  he  came.  Con 
stance  was  left  to  the  stillness  of  her  own  chamber, 
and  soon  sobbed  herself  to  sleep  like  a  soothed  child 
upon  its  mother's  bosom. 

Several  weeks  passed  before  Constance  recovered 
from  the  languor  of  a  slow  fever.  Her  old  elasticity 
of  spirits  did  not  come  back  with  returning  health. 
Her  occupations  had  lost  their  interest.  She  wandered 
about  listlessly,  looking  into  books  only  to  shut  them 
with  a  sigh,  taking  up  her  needle  only  to  put  it  down 
wearily.  Even  the  garden  did  not  attract  her.  She 
had  walked  too  often  there  with  Mordaunt  not  to  be 
reminded  of  him,  and  the  seat  at  the  end  of  the  path 
under  the  palisades,  draped  with  vines,  had  too  many 
precious  associations  for  her  ever  to  rest  there  without 
tears.  Had  he  not  carved  his  initials  here;  and, 
while  doing  it,  said,  "  You  shall  not  forget  me  ? ''  And 
was  not  every  word  and  look  of  those  sweet  agitated 
days  graven  more  deeply  on  her  heart  than  his  name 
on  the  rustic  posts  ? 

"  It  must  not  be  so,"  said  she  to  herself  one  day, 
after  a  paroxysm  of  tears,  while  shielded  among  the 
leaves  of  this  shady  retreat.  "  Have  I  not  said  to  my 
Father, '  Let  thy  will  be  mine? '  And  is  it  thus  I  have 
accepted  his  appointment  of  my  lot  ?  No  more  repin 
ing,  Constance!  This  place  shall  no  longer  remain 
sacred  to  that  unhappy  love.  I  will  no  longer  shrink 
from  coming  hither,  but  will  come  till  the  pain  grows 
dull.  And  yet,  is  it  meet  for  me  to  look  on  those 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  187 

letters  daily,  from  out  of  which  I  conjure  his  face  and 
hear  his  voice  ?"  She  sat  thoughtful  and  downcast. 
Suddenly  a  new  energy  possessed  her.  She  arose  and 
went  to  her  aunt,  who  was  occupied  in  the  garden. 

"  Can  the  gardener  serve  me  to-day,  Aunt  Deb 
orah?" 

"  Truly  he  may,  if  it  is  thy  pleasure,"  she  replied. 

"And  can  I  do  aught  I  please  with  the  arbor? " 

"Do  with  it  as  if  all  things  here  were  thine  own, 
my  daughter." 

"  Thank  you,  my  dear  aunt.  Lend  me  your 
prnn ing-knife,  that  1  may  first  cut  away  some  thorns 
that  pierce  me  sorely,  if  I  do  but  look  at  them." 
Tears  were  plainly  glistening  in  her  eyes,  though  she 
smiled  while  speaking.  She  turned  back  again  through 
the  path,  reentered  the  little  bower,  and  in  a  moment 
cut  the  initials  smoothly  away  from  the  place  where 
they  had  so  long  looked  out  at  her  from  among  the 
leaves.  Then  she  untwisted  some  of  the  vines  and 
trailed  them  across  the  spot,  hiding  it  altogether. 
Summoning  the  gardener,  she  directed  him  to  place 
the  choicest  potted  plants  near  the  entrance,  made 
an  embankment  of  grass  around  the  sides,  brought 
fresh  moss  from  the  woods  to  carpet  it,  old  grey 
lichens  for  brackets,  and  a  hanging  nest  to  swing  from 
the  leafy  roof.  Then  she  helped  him  fashion  a  rustic 
stand  of  her  own  fanciful  devising.  Two  cuts  from  a 
Jog  of  goodly  diameter  furnished  seats.  By  night  the 
transformation  was  complete,  and  Constance  felt  hap 
pier  for  the  change  and  the  day's  abundant  occupation. 
Here  she  intended  to  bring  her  work,  to  entice  Aunt 


188  COXSTANCE   AYLMER. 

Deborah  into  occasional  rest,  and  Sir  Henry  to  read 
ing  aloud  his  newest  books.  However  it  might  be, 
she  had  succeeded  in  banishing  the  "  Ghost  of  Love  " 
from  this  retreat. 

The  next  morning,  Constance  continued  her  new 
mode  of  warfare.  She  brought  out  from  their  hiding- 
places  the  treasured  letters,  an  odd  glove,  a  scrap  of 
paper  on  which  Mordaunt  had  printed  her  name  with 
his  in  many  fantastic  ways,  and  a  host  of  mementos, 
such  as  a  loving  heart  treasures  more  than  gold.  All 
these  she  burned.  "  Not  without  mourning,"  said  she 
afterward.  "They  did  not  writhe  more  upon  the 
embers,  than  did  my  heart  within  me  at  sight  of  their 
vanishing."  Still  she  persisted.  She  scanned  the 
books  which  had  passages  underscored,  or  pages  sig 
nalized  by  a  pressed  flower  or  leaf,  and  carefully  erased 
the  whole.  She  would  commune  no  longer  with  this 
haunting  shadow.  But  after  it  was  all  done,  what 
then  ?  Days  went  by,  but  the  heavy,  heavy  heart 
remained. 

"  Give  me  work !  Aunt  Deborah,  give  me  work ! 
anything  to  escape  from  my  sorrowful  self!  "  she  said 
one  morning,  bursting  into  tears. 

"  Thee  has  asked  for  the  best  happiness  when  thy 
desires  go  beyond  thyself.  God  bless  thee !  Get  thy 
hat,  and  go  with  me  now  to  Patience  Gordon's  hovel." 

Constance  went.  The  sight  of  a  pale,  care-worn 
widow,  homesick  for  her  English  home,  striving  to 
support  a  flock  of  little  children,  awoke  feelings  of 
shame  and  humiliation  that  she  should  repine  while 
surrounded  with  so  many  blessings.  Sympathy  and 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  189 

pity  filled  her  heart.  She  could  go  home  now  and 
take  up  her  needle  with  active  interest  in  behalf  of 
that  suffering  woman.  It  would  be  such  a  pleasure 
to  lighten  her  burdens  thus.  This  was  the  beginning 
of  a  busy  life  for  Constance.  She  was  taking  her  first 
lessons  in  not  "  living  to  herself."  There  was  Hihoudi 
too,  the  brother  of  Omanee,  who  came  to  learn  his 
letters ;  and  Hose,  the  maid  of  all  work,  who  regarded 
her  young  mistress  much  as  a  princess  in  disguise, 
was  eager  to  read  like  white  people,  and  not  be  out 
done  by  the  dreaded  savages.  In  this  way,  occupa 
tions  multiplied.  Sir  Henry  exerted  himself  also  to 
provide  cheerful  company  for  Constance.  He  opened 
his  doors  hospitably  to  new  cavaliers  or  to  old  friends, 
devised  hunting  and  boating  parties,  went  with  her 
on  horseback  or  in  the  chaise,  read  to  her  in  the  arbor ; 
in  fine,  left  nothing  undone  for  her  diversion.  Yet, 
more  than  once,  he  had  seen  her  turn  away,  in  the 
midst  of  lively  companions,  to  let  tears  fall  unseen  ; 
and  though  she  would  return  gentle  and  smiling  as 
ever,  he  saw  her  hidden  sadness.  Twice  he  had 
marked  her  holding  her  hand  against  her  heart,  as  if 
it  pained  her  or  throbbed  too  violently.  At  last  a 
little  incident  occurred  which  broke  his  silence. 

Hans  and  Lisbet  came  to  Gravesend  on  a  valorous 
steed  from  Herr  Zwaller's  stable,  with  cue  and  ribbons 
flying,  to  make  a  long-promised  visit.  The  evening 
of  their  arrival  was  warm  and  moonlit,  and  there  was 
no  place  so  attractive  and  cool  as  the  settle -bench 
under  the  front  porch.  Hans  talked  poetry  to  the 
moon  and  cast  love-glances  at  Lisbet,  but  they  were 


190  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

lost  upon  her,  for  her  busy  eyes  were  scanning  the 
fashion  of  Constance's  graceful  dress,  or  Sir  Henry's 
shining  shoe-buckles,  and  her  only  reply  to  his  quota 
tions  was,  that  he  also  should  hare  a  pair  of  silver 
buckles.  He  was  charmed  with  the  night  sounds  of 
the  forest  and  meadows,  but  Lisbet  said  she  loved 
better  to  talk  than  to  listen  to  frogs  gulping  in  muddy 
ponds,  or  birds  peeping  in  the  woods  wrhen  they  ought 
to  be  asleep.  She  seated  herself  then  by  Constance, 
and,  in  a  confidential  way,  began  her  usual  gossip. 

"Do  you  know,  they  say  Elsie  is  not  happy  with 
Mr.  Mordaunt  ?  It  is  quite  right  for  all  the  mischief 
she  has  done.  He  is  almost  beside  himself  with  grief, 
and  they  say  his  hair  is  turning  white  as  his  grand 
father's  ! "  Constance's  face  grew  paler  than  the 
moonlight.  She  made  no  reply,  but  Sir  Henry  had 
caught  the  words,  and  saw  the  suffering  spirit  through 
the  white  face. 

"Now,  Lisbet,"  said  he,  bluntly,  "you  spun  that 
bit  of  news  out  of  your  head,  just  as  the  spider  winds 
its  web  out  of  its  own  body.  If  you  were  a  man,  I 
would  say  in  plain  Saxon,  you  lie!  " 

"  My  son ! "  exclaimed  Lady  Moody,  "  thou  art 
not  worthy  of  knighthood  to  speak  in  such  wise  to  a 
woman,  and  thy  guest !  " 

"  Lisbet  should  better  consider  her  words,  lest 
possibly  they  might  sting  like  arrows.  As  a  woman, 
and  my  guest,  I  humbly  crave  her  pardon.  As  a 
gossip  I  censure  her,"  said  Sir  Henry,  noisily  pacing 
back  and  forth  over  the  pebbled  walk  in  front  of  them. 

"  I  speak  what  is  true,"  retorted  Lisbet.     "  Carl 


CONSTANCE    A.YLMER.  191 

Steinbach  went  out  in  the  ship  with  them  to  Virginia, 
and  wrote  back  that  saying." 

"  Fie !  Fie !  "  cried  Sir  Henry,  impatient  at  this 
testimony,  which  only  made  the  matter  worse.  Deter 
mined  to  check  her  further  words,  he  called  out  for 
Hans,  who  was  climbing  by  the  arbor  to  the  top  of  the 
palisades.  "  He  will  break  his  neck,  Lisbet,  or  get 
scalped  if  he  tumbles  over  the  other  side."  This 
brought  her  to  her  feet,  and  sent  her  into  the  garden. 

"  Stop  1  "  called  out  Hans.  "  Hark,  all  of  you  ; 
what  is  it  ? "  All  listened  to  soft,  mournful  notes, 
that  swelled  up  from  the  depths  of  the  forest. 

"It  is  the  lute  of  an  Indian  wooing  his  pretty 
squaw,"  said  Sir  Henry. 

Constance  buried  her  face  in  her  hands.  She  had 
once  heard  that  unearthly  music  when  Morclaunt 
stood  beside  her.  It  recalled  all  the  past,  even  more 
vividly  than  Lisbet's  unthinking,  cruel  words. 

"  Oh,  Edward  !  Edward  !  "  she  moaned,  in  a  sup 
pressed  voice,  dropping  her  hands,  as  if  not  knowing 
where  to  turn.  Sir  Henry  shouted  loudly, 

"  Don't  listen  to  that  tooting,  Lisbet !  it  will  be 
witch  you !  "  Her  tongue  was  unloosed  instantly, 
and  she  chattered  like  a  magpie,  under  the  palisades, 
scolding  and  entreating  Hans  to  come  down  from  his 
dangerous  perch.  Constance  escaped  to  her  quiet 
room.  The  melancholy  notes  still  floated  up  to  her, 
and  tilled  her  soul  with  a  sense  of  loneliness  unen 
durable.  She  bowed  her  head  upon  the  window-seat, 
crying  out, 

"  Oh,  Jesus,  my  Saviour,  do  thou  so  take  posses- 


192  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

sion  of  my  soul  that  I  shall  no  longer  suffer  this  de 
spair.  My  poor  resolves  are  unstable  as  the  waves. 
Be  thou  my  strength,  for  I  am  weak — oh,  so  weak. 
Do  not  let  my  heart  question  thy  tenderness  in  deal 
ing  thus  with  me."  She  raised  her  head,  leaned  upon 
her  hand,  and  thought  aloud.  "  If  Edward  was  happy 
with  Elsie,  it  would  be  less  hard  to  bear;  but  he 
grieves  as  I  grieve.  It  is  both  sweet  and  bitter  to 
know  this.  My  heart,  my  heart,  how  it  rolls  and 
heaves  within  me."  Faint  with  the  violent  palpita 
tion,  she  unfastened  her  dress,  rose  feebly,  dipped  her 
hands  in  cool  water  and  bathed  her  face,  then  sank 
back  into  the  deep  arm-chair. 

"  Why  do  I  strive  to  arrest  this  ?  why  not  die  ? 
I  would  not  live,  yet  when  I  feel  my  hold  upon  life 
loosing  a  little,  I  struggle  to  retain  it.  Strange  con 
tradiction  ! " 

There  was  a  rustling  on  the  stairs,  two  little  feet 
pit-patted  across  the  hall,  and  a  trim  little  figure 
stood  tapping  at  Constance's  open  door.  Lisbet  was 
as  irresistibly  drawn  to  every  event  as  the  needle  to 
the  pole.  It  was  impossible  for  her  not  to  discover 
the  absence  of  Constance,  and  just  as  impossible  'not 
to  know  the  mischief  she  had  done.  Nobody  in  the 
world  could  be  more  sorry  than  she.  She  endeavored 
to  repair  it  with  kind  words,  with  cologne  and  hot 
cordials,  but  Constance's  pride  and  annoyance  at 
being  discovered  enabled  her  to  rally  quickly,  to  put 
on  a  cheerful  air,  to  descend  again  to  the  piazza,  and 
even  to  smile  at  Hans'  droll  account  of  his  school. 

That  night,  when   they   separated   for  rest,   Sir 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEB.  193 

Henry  drew  his  mother  aside,  and  held  a  long  con 
versation  about  Constance's  welfare.  Lady  Moody 
assured  him  that  time  alone  would  lessen,  her  grief, 
and  that  constant  occupation  and  interest  in  others 
were  the  best  restorers  of  a  healthy  tone  of  mind  and 
body.  Above  all,  she  was  sustained  by  a  trust  which 
would  presently  give  her  entire  peace  and  calmness. 

"  She  will  die  under  these  slow  processes,*'  replied 
Sir  Henry  impatiently.  "  She  must  have  change  of 
scene.  These  people  whom  I  would  have  only  to 
amuse  her,  do  but  recall  the  past,  and  stab  her  with 
their  silly  words.  The  very  flowers  and  birds  fling 
doleful  memories  at  her,  and  the  great  white  oak  on 
the  highway  is  no  better  than  a  tombstone  in  her 
eyes.  She  must  go  to  England." 

"  To  whom  can  she  go  in  England  ? "  exclaimed 
Lady  Moody,  stirred  at  the  thought  of  losing  Con 
stance. 

"  To  her  rightful  guardian  and  kinsman,  Lord 
Grey." 

"  Her  father  would  not  have  it  so.  His  sister  is 
a  church  woman  and  a  royalist,  and  lives  gayly  in 
London.  Thee  would  not  give  our  beloved  Con 
stance  to  such  worldly  keeping." 

"  Only  for  a  short  season  ;  I  will  go  thither  myself, 
and  convey  her  safely,  and  she  shall  return  with  me, 
if  she  wills  it."  Lady  Moody  could  raise  no  objec 
tion  to  this  proposal,  and  promised  to  lay  the  plan 
before  Constance  the  next  morning;. 


194  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 


XY1I. 

HANS  and  Lisbet  had  just  gone,  the  next  morning, 
when  Ijano  stole  into  the  garden,  and  stood  in  sig 
nificant  silence  beside  Lady  Moody  till  she  finished 
gathering  a  handful  of  flowers.  Then  he  spoke  a  few 
words,  and  went  immediately  away.  Lady  Moody 
looked  alarmed.  All  thoughts  of  the  proposed  voyage 
vanished,  and  she  sent  hastily  for  Sir  Henry  to  come 
to  her  in  the  Library. 

':  lyano  tells  me  the  Masapequas  are  preparing  for 
an  attack,"  said  she.  "  Go  quickly  to  George  Baxter, 
and  give  intelligence.  See  that  he  sends  out  scouts 
to  call  in  the  scattered  settlers,  or  prepare  them  for 
defence.  Thee  must  not  return  till  thine  own  eyes 
certity  that  every  needful  thing  is  done." 

"  What  impudent  vipers !  "  exclaimed  Sir  Henry. 
"  Only  two  days  ago  a  band  of  them  came  in  to 
traffic,  and,  I  doubt  not,  have  well  scanned  the  town. 
But  half  the  battle  is  won,  in  being  prepared  for  the 
cowardly  dogs." 

"  I  trusted  the  Masapequas  were  friends,"  said 
Lady  Moody.  "  Some  one  has  done  them  ill,  else 
they  would  not  break  the  peace.  Do  not  tarry,  my 
son  ;  every  hour  lost  may  cost  the  lives  of  a  family." 

Sir  Henry  hurried  away  to  the  magistrate,  leaving 
his  mother  to  care  for  his  own  home.  She  immedi 
ately  summoned  the  servants,  and  stated  to  them  in 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  195 

so  cheerful  and  calm  a  manner,  what  she  required  of 
each,  that  they  obeyed  with  far  less  trepidation  than 
might  have  been  expected.  Tobee  gathered  the  cattle 
from  the  pastures,  and  put  them  safely  in  their  en 
closures.  Lady  Moody  went  herself  with  Mingo  to 
examine  every  part  of  the  palisades,  to  be  certain  of 
their  soundness,  and  ordered  tanks  of  water  to  be 
placed  for  convenient  use,  in  case  of  the  enemy's  re 
sort  to  fire.  The  shutters  were  closed  and  bolted ; 
firearms  and  ammunition  were  brought  into  the  hall 
and  stacked.  Before  night  those  settlers  who  did  not 
feel  secure  in  their  own  houses,  came  with  their  val 
uables  to  Moody  Hall,  as  being  safer  on  account  of 
its  tiled  roof.  Some  of  the  villagers  came  also,  fearing 
to  trust  to  the  security  of  the  palisades  that  enclosed 
the  village.  Others  outside  had  failed  to  build  their 
own,  or  had  neglected  to  provide  themselves  with 
ladders  to  their  roofs,  as  required  by  law.  Lady 
Moody  received  them  all  with  open  arms,  though  re 
minding  them  they  were  every  one  like  the  foolish 
virgins  without  oil  in  their  lamps. 

By  night  preparations  were  everywhere  comple 
ted,  and  sentinels  posted  about  the  village.  All  wait 
ed  with  nervous  anxiety  for  what  the  night  might 
bring  forth,  yet  not  without  hope  that  the  timely 
warning  would  ward  off  the  blow. 

Meantime,  lyano  decked  himself  as  became  a 
chieftain  ;  a  long  eagle's  feather  shot  up  from  his 
shell-worked  frontlet.  From  his  waist  hung  dressed 

o 

deer-skin,  embroidered  and  fringed.  A  string,  of 
wampum  and  an  English  hatchet  were  fastened  at 


196  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

liis  girdle ;  a  quiver,  from  which  dangled  a  fox's  tail, 
was  slung  across  his  shoulder,  and  he  carried  an 
elastic  bow,  of  dimensions  that  suggested  a  strong  arm 
in  battle.  Thus  equipped,  he  set  out  for  the  enemy's 
camp :  as  he  approached,  the  howlings  of  the  war- 
dance  struck  his  ear.  He  surveyed  the  various  groups 
from  a  leafy  covert  till  satisfied,  and  then  stalked  forth 
into  their  midst,  and  stood  in  dignified  silence.  No 
regard  was  paid  to  the  intruder  at  first.  Some  young 
warriors  approached,  but  he  scorned  to  confer  with 
them.  One  tall,  athletic  Indian,  whose  features  be 
lied  his  disguise,  looked  fiercely  upon  him,  but  he 
was  unmoved  at  the  hostile  menace ;  he  still  leaned 
indifferently  on  his  huge  bow,  awaiting  the  pleasure 
of  the  chiefs  to  learn  his  mission. 

Gradually  the  war-dance  ceased  ;  the  chiefs  and 
warriors  withdrew  to  the  council-lodge,  and  at  length 
signified  their  readiness  to  hear  him.  As  if  to  give 
time  for  the  subsidence  of  the  evil  passions  raised  by 
the  ceremonies  of  war,  a  long  silence  reigned.  lyano 
at  last  arose. 

"My  brothers,  lyano  has  not  two  tongues.  He 
knows  the  Masapequas  are  brave.  Many  scalps  have 
hung  in  the  belts  of  the  young  warriors.  But  what  does 
lyano  see !  Do  the  braves  go  to  fight  great  warriors  ? 
No,  they  go  to  kill  squaws.  The  Englis  you  would  kill 
do  not  carry  thunder  in  their  arms  like  the  Englis  of 
the  Manhattas.  No  sachem  sits  in  their  council-lodge. 
The  mother  of  the  Englis  sits  there.  She  brings  words 
from  the  Great  Spirit.  The  God  of  the  Englis  will 
be  angry  if  she  is  slain.  He  has  sent  lyano  to  say  it." 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEE.  197 

lyano  was  silent  for  a  few  moments.  He  glanced 
over  the  swarthy  host  as  if  to  fix  every  wandering  eye, 
then  broke  forth  with  a  fierceness  that  would  have 
appalled  Lady  Moody,  and  made  her  doubt  if  indeed 
her  pupil  had  felt  the  renewing  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  But  the  force  of  association  and  the  glower 
ing  face  that  had  been  turned  upon  him  since  his  first 
coming  roused  all  his  savage  nature,  and  overshadow 
ed  the  restraining  precepts  which  his  gentle  friend 
had  striven  to  bind  as  frontlets  on  his  brow. 

"  It  is  the  Evil-minded  who  has  told  the  Masape- 
qua  braves  to  destroy  the  lodge  of  the  good  mother," 
said  he.  "  Listen  to  lyano.  Eight  moons  ago,  the 
White  Swallow  was  in  the  lodge  of  her  father ;  her  eyes 
were  as  stars  ;  her  feet  like  the  roe's  ;  they  were  swift 
to  obey  the  voice  of  the  chief.  A  serpent  crept  in  the 
forest  and  charmed  the  White  Swallow.  She  followed 
him  to  the  canoe  that  flies  upon  the  water.  The  Great 
Spirit  was  angry.  He  sent  her  back  in  the  arms  of 
the  waves.  The  stars  are  gone  out.  The  White  Swallow 
sleeps.  The  lodge  is  dark.  The  serpent  is  coiled  by 
your  council-fires.  You  take  him  to  your  heart.  He 
is  your  son  and  your  brother." 

lyano's  voice  and  manner  conveyed  the  utmost 
scorn.  He  paused  amidst  profound  silence.  Every  war 
rior  knew  whom  he  meant,  though  not  one  looked 
toward  the  adopted  pale-face — Lord  Percy,  who,  es 
caped  from  an  ocean  grave,  had  taken  refuge  here. 
He  did  not  cower  before  lyano  at  his  betrayal,  but 
continued  to  fix  his  tiger-like  eyes  upon  him,  boldly 
waiting  to  know  the  end.  lyano  resumed  : 


198  COXSTANCJB   AYLMER, 

"  This  brave  chief  has  a  trophy  in  his  belt.  Is  it 
a  scalp  ?  No.  It  is.  the  white  wings  of  the  sleeping 
Swallow.  Now  he  speaks.  '  Let  us  slay  the  Englis ! ' 
Will  he  find  scalps  like  the  braves  ?  No.  There  is  a 
maiden  pale  and  shining  as  the  moon  in  the  lodge  of 
the  mother  of  the  Englis.  The  serpent  would  have  her 
wings  by  the  side  of  the  White  Swallow's.  Will  you 
follow  him  ?  Go !  The  nations  will  call  you  the 
slayers  of  squaws.  lyauo  is  done." 

He  turned  away  Irom  his  silent  auditors  without 
waiting  for  a  response,  and  disappeared  in  the  woods. 
He  disdained  to  linger  in  the  council,  but  patiently 
watched  with  his  scouts  to  know  the  result  of  his  ap 
peal.  The  discovery  that  Percy  still  lived,  and  the 
challenge  in  his  fiery  eyes  and  haughty  mien,  had 
aroused  a  storm  of  passion  which  hungered  for  an  op 
portunity  to  vent  itself.  The  intended  attack  upon 
Gravesend  would  aiford  it,  and  as  night  after  night 
passed  with  no  signs  of  a  moving  enemy,  lyano  grew 
sullen.  He  had  defeated  himself  as  well  as  Percy, 
but  he  resolved  to  follow  him  and  obtain  revenge. 
Life  for  life.  He  should  die  for  Omanee. 

An  Indian  runner  came  at  last  with  the  news  of  a 
skirmish  between  the  Masapequas  and  a  band  toward 
the  east.  Assured  by  this  of  the  safety  of  Graves- 
end,  lyano  went  with  slow  steps  to  convey  tidings  of 
relief  to  Moody  Hall. 

All  this  time  the  villagers  had  suffered  the  misery 
of  suspense.  False  alarms  had  twice  filled  them  with 
terror,  and  given  occasion  to  distinguish  the  cowardly 
from  the  brave.  A  sentinel,  who  had  abandoned  his 


COXSTANCE   A  YLMEE.  199 

post  and  hidden  himself,  was  now  doing  duty  in  the 
public  square  on  a  wooden  horse,  with  a  sword  in  one 
hand  and  a  pitcher  of  beer  in  the  other,  to  denote 
that  his  courage  was  to  be  determined  by  the  quantity 
drank.  Some,  doubting  lyano's  truth,  returned  to 
their  usual  work,  but  not  without  loaded  arms  within 
reach.  The  villagers  who  had  taken  refuge  at  Moody 
Hall,  seeing  how  multiplied  were  Lady  Moody's  cares, 
went  back  to  their  own  homes  and  tried  to  quiet  their 
fears,  but  those  who  had  come  in  from  scattered  farms 
remained  till  lyano's  arrival. 

The  family  were  filled  with  new  anxiety  when 
Percy  was  known  to  be  the  plotter  of  the  intended 
mischief.  Although  he  had  failed  in  this,  what  new 
plans  might  he  not  invent  ?  He  would  scruple  at 
nothing.  Measures  must  be  taken  promptly  to  arrest 
him.  During  this  discussion,  lyano's  eyes  glimmered 
so  darkly  and  savagely  that  Lady  Moody  noted  it.  She 
attempted  to  draw  from  him  the  cause  of  the  change 
in  his  countenance  and  manner  since  his  last  visit,  but 
he  was  too  morose  and  cunning  to  commit  himself.  He 
disliked  to  be  questioned.  He  was  in  haste  to  depart. 
The  more  she  regarded  him,  the  more  certain  she  be 
came  that  he  had  either  already  harmed  Percy  or  in 
tended  it.  She  knew  enough  of  his  savage  code  to 
believe  that  justice  awarded  by  law  would  not  satisfy ; 
nothing  but  the  blood  of  his  enemy  poured  out  by  his 
own  hand  would  appease  him.  As  she  thought  of  this, 
she  remembered  also  that  in  her  desire  to  inspire  him 
with  faith  in  the  redeeming  love  of  the  Saviour,  she 
had  tailed  to  impress  him  with  the  need  of  a  forgiving 


200  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

spirit  toward  men.  He  was  not  prepared  for  tempta 
tion.  This  opportunity  to  enforce  a  hard  and  hated 
truth  must  not  be  lost. 

"  Friend  lyano,"  said  she,  "  I  perceive  thy  unwill 
ingness  to  tell  me  what  is  in  thy  heart.  Thee  would 
fear  to  tell  it  to  God.  But  thee  cannot  hide  thy  se 
cret  from  him."  lyano  turned  to  go.  He  had  no 
desire  to  listen  to  his  teacher. 

"  Stay,  friend,  till  the  Book  holds  a  talk  with 
thee."  There  was  a  power  in  her  presence  which  he 
could  not  resist.  He  obeyed  with  sullen  dignity. 

"Thou  hast  done  me  a  great  service,  lyano.  1 
cannot  return  thee  a  better,  than  to  he  faithful  to  thy 
soul."  Saying  this,  she  took  from  its  shelf  the  great 
Bible  with  its  iron  clasp,  and  turning  the  thick 
leaves  hither  and  thither  for  various  passages,  read  in 
a  slow,  distinct  voice. 

"  This  is  God's  command :  '  Thou  shalt  not  kill.' 
If  the  commandment  is  broken,  this  is  the  punish 
ment  :  '  Murderers  *  *  shall  have  their  part  in  the 
lake  which  bumeth  with  fire  and  brimstone ;  which  is 
the  second  death.'  lyano,  thee  must  not  dip  thy  hand 
in  the  blood  of  Edgardo  Percy,  to  repay  thy  wrongs. 
Thee  must  leave  that  to  God.  Hear  what  he  says  : 
'  Yengeance  is  mine ;  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord. ' ; 

"  lyano  has  waited.  Your  God  is  asleep.  The 
pale-face  is  yet  free." 

"  Thou  art  wrong,  friend.  Our  Father  never 
sleeps,  hut  he  waits.  Listen  again.  '  To  me  belong- 
eth  vengeance  and  recompense  ;  their  foot  shall  slide 
in  due  time.'  The  Almighty  does  not  make  haste  to 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  201 

cut  off  the  wicked.  He  is  '  long-suffering  to  usward, 
not  willing  that  any  should  perish,  but  that  all  should 
come  to  repentance.'  Perhaps  the  Lord  is  waiting  for 
Edgardo  to  repent.  How  does  thee  know,  friend,  but 
thine  enemy  may  hear  the  voice  of  God,  and  receive 
mercy  and  forgiveness  like  thyself  ? " 

This  was  a  new  thought  to  lyano.  He  regarded 
Lady  Moody  with  a  strange,  unsatisfied  look,  and 
doubtless  marvelled  in  his  heart,  just  as  the  disciples 
did  when  they  heard  a  hard  saying  from  the  lips  of 
their  Lord.  Constance,  who  had  been  a  "silent  lis 
tener,  wondered  if  a  heart  so  full  of  evil  intents  could 
make  room  for  Christ.  "  I  should  be  filled  with  fear 
at  the  sight  of  Percy,  even  in  heaven,"  she  said. 

" '  Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be 
white  as  snow  ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they 
shall  be  as  wool.'  If  Edgardo's  sins  were  washed  white 
in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  he  would  be  no  longer 
what  he  is,  and  therefore  thee  would  rejoice  to  meet 
him.  lyano,  if  it  please  the  High  God  to  draw  out 
his  days  and  pardon  him,  thee  can  forgive  also,  and 
not  use  despite  ? " 

"  lyano  waits  to  see  the  white  chief  die,"  was  the 
stony  reply. 

"  Then  thes  must  wait  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord. 
All  thee  has  to  do  in  this  matter  is  to  forgive  him 
with  all  thy  heart.  Jesus  says,  '  Love  your  enemies, 
bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate 
you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despiteful ly  use  you,  and 
persecute  you;  that  ye  may  be  the  children  of  your 
Father  which  is  in  heaven.'  r 
9* 


202  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

"  The  brave  no  love  his  enemy.  He  would  have 
a  squaw's  heart." 

"Satan  tells  thee  that,  friend.  Thee  roust  rather 
listen  to  Jesus.  Hear  how  he  would  have  thee  use 
Edgardo.  '  If  thine  enemy  be  hungry,  feed  him  ;  if  he 
be  thirsty,  give  him  drink  ;  for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt 
heap  coals  of  fire  upon  his  head.' 51 

This  was  too  much  for  lyano  to  receive  stoically. 
He  gave  an  ejaculation  of  dissent  and  disgust.  He 
could  not  now  meekly  lay  down  his  burden  of  ven 
geance.  Like  many  another,  he  wished  to  roll  this 
sweet  morsel  of  sin  under  his  tongue  while  he  walked 
with  Christ.  Lady  Moody  felt  that  it  was  a  crisis 
which  might  determine  the  triumph  or  the  abandon 
ment  of  his  new-found  faith. 

"  lyano,  I  have  but  these  words  more  to  say  to 
thee  now.  If  thee  does  not  forgive  thy  enemy,  God 
will  not  forgive  thee.  Ask  Jesus  to  help  thee,  or  thou 
wilt  perish."  She  closed  the  Book,  and  replaced  it  on 
the  shelf.  lyano,  understanding  that  the  "  talk  "  was 
done,  went  away,  glad  perhaps  to  escape  from  the 
dazzling  light  which  this  strange  Book  was  pom-ing 
in  upon  his  soul,  revealing  his  unholy  self.  But  the 
shining  was  there,  and  he  could  not  put  it  out. 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  203 


XVIII, 

ELSIE  MORDAUNT  Lad  neither  the  tine  house  "  all 
of  Holland  brick,"  nor  the  "chairs  with  seats  of  bright 
russet  leather  bordered  with  gold  lace,"  which  she 
had  once  gayly  said  must  be  placed  at  her  service,  to 
gether  with  her  lover's  heart.  Her  air-castle  had  re 
solved  itself  into  a  simple  cottage  without  external  or 
nament,  save  a  wild  rose  that  had  tried  in  vain  to  clam 
ber  without  help  up  the  side  of  the  house,  and  had 
fallen  back  in  sprawling  helplessness  on  the  uncut 
grass.  The  spinster,  in  whose  charge  Edward  Mor- 
daunt  had  left  his  bachelor  domicile  during  his  long 
absence,  would  have  let  it  creep  through  the  grass  till 
it  dragged  itself  back  to  its  native  woods  if  it  chose, 
provided  it  kept  out  of  her  way.  Experience  Top 
ping  understood  the  use  and  value  of  a  hop-vine,  but 
a  rose-creeper  had  no  claims  upon  her. 

Within  the  cottage,  as  without,  there  was  no  orna 
ment.  It  was  neat  enough.  Experience  was  devoted 
to  the  care  of  it.  She  was  one  of  those  methodical 
people  who  have  a  place  for  everything,  and  religious 
ly  send  everything  into  place.  She  was  a  close  econ 
omist  too.  She  never  walked  over  a  pin.  A  bit  of 
thread  was  not  beneath  her  notice  and  use,  scraps  of 
lint  slowly  accumulated  in  a  corner  bag,  and  every 
garment  she  wore  testified  to  her  patient  patching  and 
darning.  Her  skill  in  converting  apple-peelings  into 


204  CONSTANCE    AYLMEK. 

jellj,  bread-crumbs  into  puddings,  and  making  soup 
from  bare  bones,  was  marvellous.  Yet  she  was  a  re 
ligious,  not  a  miserly  economist.  She  Avas  conscien 
tious  in  her  stewardship,  rendering  exact  accounts  to 
her  employer,  and  what  she  saved  by  her  self-denials 
was  freely  bestowed  upon  the  comfort  of  others.  Her 
gifts  were  necessarily  small,  and  her  sphere  narrow. 
Their  very  srnallness  gave  rigidity  to  her  thoughts  and 
ways.  The  incoming  of  a  new  mistress  like  Elsie  was 
a  shock  to  all  her  notions  and  habits,  and  no  wonder 
if  she  stood  dismayed  at  the  revolution  in  the  affairs 
of  the  house  on  her  arrival. 

"  Take  away  the  joint-stools  from  the  chimney-cor 
ner,  and  fill  the  gaping  fireplace  with  holly  branches. 
It  looks  like  the  grave  of  departed  Yule-logs,"  said 
Elsie,  frowning,  when  she  had  surveyed  the  chief 
apartment.  "  I  will  have  silk  hangings  too,  and  not 
chintz." 

Mordaunt  was  besieged  for  the  alterations,  and 
yielded.  During  a  few  weeks,  every  room  was  in  a 
turmoil.  No  sooner  was  one  at  the  point  of  comple 
tion  than  Elsie  would  suggest  something  new,  pull 
down  all  she  had  done,  and  begin  over  again.  To  do 
this,  she  levied  all  the  forces  possible.  She  possessed 
the  peculiar  talent  of  impressing  everybody  who  came 
near,  into  her  service,  and  keeping  every  soul  of  them 
in  nervous  haste  with  their  task.  The  task  given  was 
not  often  rightly  appointed.  She  was  quite  sure  to 
cut  the  tapestry  too  short,  and  summon  her  helper  to 
take  it  down  and  lengthen  it,  or  order  a  dresser 
too  large  for  its  place,  and  refuse  to  accept  its  clumsi- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  205 

ness.  After  an  apartment  was  duly  settled,  she  was 
quite  likely  to  feel  its  narrowness,  and  conceive  the 
bright  idea  of  tearing  down  a  partition,  or  building  an 
"  addition."  But  it  could  not  take  forever  to  com 
plete  so  small  a  dwelling.  To  keep  it  in  order  when 
iinished,  was  quite  another  affair.  For  this,  Elsie  had 
no  talent.  She  left  it  to  Experience,  and  turned  her 
energies  to  the  entire  remaking  of  the  garden.  And 
poor  Experience  strove  in  vain  to  keep  the  chairs  in 
prim  rows,  sighed  to  see  Mordaunt's  costly  books  ly 
ing  upon  the  floor  precisely  where  Elsie  had  dropped 
them,  or  stood  amazejd  to  see  her  dresses  tumbled  on 
the  chair,  and  her  pretty  boots  flung  across  the  room 
when  they  had  happened  to  pinch.  And  who  can 
imagine  Experience's  horror  at  seeing  Elsie's  spools 
of  thread  rolling  hither  and  thither  at  the  mercy  of  a 
playful  kitten,  or  wound  inextricably  with  tangled 
yarn,  when  she  had  stooped  her  lame  back  many  a 
time  to  save  a  bit  a  few  inches  long  ?  What  could 
she  do  but  grumble,  and  look  after  this  spoiled  child  ? 

When  Elsie  had  exhausted  the  garden  and  the 
temper  of  the  gardener,  she  took  a  capricious  whim 
to  invade  Experience's  kingdom. 

"  Did  you  ever  taste  an  oly-koek  ? "  she  asked, 
one  day. 

"No." 

"  Then  I  will  make  some  this  minute  !  " 

"  Not  to-day,"  plead  Experience.  "  I  cannot 
serve  you  well  to-day." 

"But  I  feel  precisely  like  it,"  returned  Elsie.  It 
was  not  possible  to  turn  her  from  what  she  chose  to 


206  CONSTAXCE    AYLMEK. 

undertake.  So,  in  spite  of  the  warm  day,  she  caused 
a  notable  fire  to  be  built  and  a  kettle  of  fat  to  be 
swung  on  the  crane.  Without  first  bringing  together 
all  the  articles  needed,  she  began  mixing  the  dough. 

"  Uh  !  how  shall  I  get  my  hands  out  of  this  ?  Get 
some  flour ;  do  !  "  Experience  brought  it,  smiling 
significantly. 

"  There  !  I  have  forgotten  the  salt,     Pray  get  it." 

"  Oh,  Experience,  the  spice  !  the  spice  !  "Where 
is  it?" 

"  Not  a  grain  in  the  house,  mistress.  And  not  a 
grain  can  you  buy  till  the  Dutch  skipper  comes  up  the 
river  again." 

"  Ah  well.  I  cannot  wait  till  the  skipper  comes. 
I  shall  make  the  oly-koeks  just  the  same,  though 
they  will  never  be  oly-koeks  without  spice."  By  this 
time  Elsie  was  well  dusted  with  flour.  Flour  was 
over  the  table,  and  flour  on  the  floor.  She  was  too  busy 
to  perceive  the  burning  of  the  waiting  fat,  and  Expe 
rience  was  too  provoked  to  hinder  its  spoiling. 

"  Take  it  off,  Experience.     Quick  !  "  cried  Elsie. 

"  Let  the  olys  go.  I  have  had  enough  already," 
grumbled  the  spinster  while  she  marshalled  forth  the 
crane.  Elsie,  still  bent  on  the  work,  dropped  the 
cakes  into  the  kettle,  and  stood  watching  them  roll 
and  tumble,  and  finally  settle  at  the  top  in  a  benign 
sputter. 

"  Run  for  a  fork,  Experience.  I  must  turn  them." 
The  fork  was  sullenly  given. 

"  Do  bring  a  pan  !  They  are  burning  black ! " 
cried  Elsie,  at  the  top  of  her  voice.  And  thus,  till  the 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEK.  207 

last  cake  crowned  the  dish,  she  kept  Experience  in 
active  service,  and  in  a  state  of  mind  not  at  all  to  be 
desired. 

"  These  are  costly  cakes, "  Experience  indignantly 
remonstrated  when  the  hub-bub  was  over.  "  They 
have  wasted  more  wood  and  flour  than  would  have 
served  to  cook  a  feast.  How  many  grains  of  wheat 
did  it  take  to  make  the  flour  lying  under  your  feet 
and  upon  your  clothes  ? " 

"  Fie !  What  of  an  armful  of  wood,  or  a  cup  or 
two  of  flour  ?  I  can  never  worry  my  brains  with 
saving  scraps.  Do  you  save,  if  you  like." 

"  But  a  cup  of  flour  and  an  armful  of  wood  every 
day  would  almost  keep  poor  Annice  Hart  through 
next  winter,"  replied  Experience,  with  warmth. 

Who  was  Annice  Hart,  and  what  did  she  need, 
why  did  she  need,  and  why  should  she  not  have  all 
she  wanted,  were  the  questions  that  followed.  Elsie 
immediately  made  large  promises  which  she  doubtless 
intended  to  perform,  but  beyond  one  gift  of  flour  and 
wood  they  were  never  fulfilled.  Her  limited  purse 
was  always  preengaged  for  fine  boots  ordered  from 
Holland,  or  had  been  emptied  into  the  palm  of  the 
last  pedlar.  She  could  not  forego  a  costly  kerchief,  a 
new  bodice,  or  a  dazzling  brooch ;  at  each  pleading  for 
help,  she  graciously  promised  herself  and  Annice  Hart 
that  another  time  she  could  better  afford  to  be  generous. 

Mordaunt  indulged  all  her  whims  and  extrava 
gances,  but  he  paid  her  none  of  the  pretty  compli 
ments  that  used  to  come  so  readily  to  his  lips  when 
she  sat  by  him  in  his  invalid  hours.  His  eyes  rarely 


208  CONSTANCE   ATLMEE. 

rested  upon  her  face.  She  was  piqued  and  indifferent 
by  turns,  yet  so  long  as  he  granted  all  her  wishes  she 
did  not  take  it  to  heart  seriously.  Her  life  was  too 
outward  to  permit  even  a  doubt  of  her  husband's  love 
to  stir  her  very  deeply.  She  knew  little  of  his  inner 
life,  nothing  of  his  business,  nothing  of  his  ambitions 
or  disappointments.  He  had  no  wish  to  intrust  her 
with  the  knowledge.  Sometimes,  when  in  perplexity, 
his  thoughts  reverted  to  Constance.  Had  she  stood 
at  his  side,  her  advice  and  sympathy  would  have  been 
sought.  Had  she  sat  near  while  he  pored  over  a  book, 
he  would  have  shared  its  thoughts  with  her.  Not  so 
with  Elsie.  She  yawned  at  the  sight  of  a  book,  and 
was  very  likely,  in  the  midst  of  a  proposed  busi 
ness  plan,  to  scream  with  laughter  at  the  gambols  of 
the  mischievous  kitten,  and  go  springing  after  it  all 
the  way  into  the  garden.  Then  Mordaunt  would 
fold  up  his  papers  and  go  away,  sadly  thinking  of  the 
incompleteness  of  his  life,  the  void  that  his  wTife  could 
never  fill,  the  rich  sympathy  and  love  that  might  have 
been  his  if  he  had  willed  it ;  the  adviser,  the  friend, 
the  consoler,  that  he  had  madly  thrust  away.  These 
thoughts  never  found  voice,  but  they  were  written 
upon  his  face  in  plainer  lines  each  miserable  day. 
Elsie  could  not  but  perceive  it,  and  one  evening,  after 
watching  his  clouded  face  as  he  sat  busily  writing, 
she  reminded  him  of  it. 

"  You  have  never  looked  the  same,  Edward,  since 
Constance  Aylmer  stood  at  the  door  on  our  wedding 
day.  If  you  loved  her,  why  did  you  not  make  her 
your  wife  ? " 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  209 

"  If  I  had  not  wished  you  to  become  my  wife,  I 
should  not  have  asked  you.  A  husband  is  not  expect 
ed  always  to  carry  himself  like  a  lover."  To  hide  his 
emotion  at  the  sudden  mention  of  that  prohibited 
name,  Mordaunt  spoke  sternly.  Elsie  patted  the  floor 
with  her  little  foot  in  vexation  at  the  reply,  and  was 
silent.  She  sat  looking  at  him  again  critically.  Her 
eye  rested  upon  the  mass  of  hair  that  partly  shaded 
his  face  as  he  leaned  over  the  table. 

"Edward,"  she  exclaimed,  "how  gray  your  hair 
is  !  There  was  not  a  silver  line  in  it  when  we  were 
married.  It  grows  whiter  every  day.  How  very 
strange ! " 

"  I  am  growing  old,  I  doubt  not,"  he  replied,  with 
out  looking  up. 

"People  do  not  grow  old  so  fast.  You  are  not 
old ;  you  are  not  yet  thirty." 

"My  grandfather  may  have  been  silver-headed  at 
thirty,  and  the  peculiarity  have  fallen  to  me,"  he  sug 
gested,  with  a  calm  sad  smile. 

"  Ah  me !  Has  that  anything  to  do  with  it  ?  I  am 
glad  my  mother's  hair  is  yellow  yet — ever}7  thread  of 
it ;  and  my  father's  is  jetty  black.  I  shall  not  keep 
you  company,  you  see." 

"  Yet  your  braids  might  bleach  in  a  single  night." 

"  How  ? "  asked  Elsie,  leaning  forward  in  surprise. 

"  Grief! " 

"Edward,  is  that  the  reason  your  hair  is  whiten- 
iug  ? "  Her  eyes  were  fixed  earnestly  upon  him.  He 
felt  them.  He  did  not  wish  her  to  know  the  silent 
anguish  he  had  endured  from  the  moment  he  had 


210  CONSTANCE    AYLMEU. 

fixed  his  destiny  apart  from  Constance  Aylmer.  He 
replied,  with  a  careless  air, 

"  You  have  forgotten  my  grandfather.  Sorrow 
might  bleach  a  woman's  hair  even  white.  A  man 
should  "be  too  steel-hearted  to  let  grief  creep  to  the 
very  tips  of  his  locks.  You  must  not  boast,  for  you 
may  yet  outstrip  me  in  growing  old." 

"  I  shall  never  spoil  my  hair  or  my  eyes  with  grief. 
You  used  to  praise  both.  You  leave  others  to  praise 
them  now,"  said  Elsie,  pettishly. 

"  Who  praises  my  wife  ? "  asked  Mordaunt. 

"  A  gay  cavalier  in  steel  corslet,  trunk  hose,  long 
boots,  high-crowned  beaver,  and  drooping  feather," 
said  Elsie,  a  bright  smile  breaking  over  her  face. 

"  Chevalier  Morton  ? " 

"  Yes.  How  I  frightened  him  !  "  and  she  laughed 
gayly  at  the  remembrance.  Mordaunt's  curiosity  was 
awakened,  and  perhaps  the  faintest  suggestion  of 
jealousy  moved  him  to  question  further. 

"  He  was  with  our  berrying  party  last  week,"  she 
continued.  "  I  sat  warm  and  tired  upon  a  mossy  log, 
and  he  beside  me,  fanning  me  with  a  great  leaf.  He 
suddenly  took  my  hand  in  his,  and  praised  my  eyes. 
'  Leave  my  hand,'  I  cried  out,  '  it  belongs  to  my  hus 
band  ! '  In  spite  of  his  brave-looking  corslet,  he 
blushed  red  as  a  maiden  with  shame  and  vexation, 
lest  the  rest  heard  me." 

"What  further  said  he  ?  "  asked  Mordaunt,  flushed 
with  anger. 

"  That  '  he  might  better  clasp  a  thorn-bush  than 
my  hand.' " 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  211 

"  What  more  3 " 

"Nothing.     I  fled  away,  laughing  at  him." 

"  But  you  should  not  have  laughed.  Ton  should 
have  been  angry." 

"  How  could  I  help  laughing  at  his  rueful  looks  ? 
You  should  have  seen  the  wight  in  his  corslet,  and 
with  his  brave  sword  dangling,  and  how  ill  they  be 
came  his  frightened  and  astonished  looks.  I  laugh  now 
at  the  very  remembrance." 

"Have  you  seen  him  since  that  day?"  said  Mor- 
daunt,  rising  and  walking  uneasily  back  and  forth. 

"Bo.  But  to-day  came  his  little  negro  with  a 
boquet  of  pretty  wild-flowers,  and  'massa's  compli 
ments.'  ': 

"  Where  are  they  ? "  demanded  Mordaunt,  looking 
angrily  about  the  room.  Elsie  sprang  to  her  feet, 
clapped  her  hands,  and  laughed  till  she  could  hardly 
speak. 

"  I  frightened  the  black  sprite  almost  out  of  his 
wits.  He  had  only  left  the  gate,  when  I  flung  the 
flowers  so  hard  after  him  that  they  struck  his  indolent 
heels.  He  turned  the  whites  of  his  eyes  full  upon  me, 
snatched  the  flowers  out  of  the  dust,  and  ran  as  if  he 
believed  me  a  wicked  witch."  Mordaunt  could  not 
help  smiling. 

"  I  doubt  not  you.  have  quieted  Chevalier  Morton's 
gallantry,  but  do  not  trifle  with  those  gay  birds. 
Neither  would  I  have  you  venture  again  for  berries. 
The  woods  are  never  safe  from  prowling  Indians,"  said 
Mordaunt.  Elsie  was  full  of  vivacity  and  playfulness 
this  evening,  and  the  new  thought  of  her  suffering  a 


212  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

hateful  captivity,  or  the  possibility  of  her  love  ever 
being  won  from  him  by  the  cunning  arts  of  an 
admirer,  awakened  a  tenderness  toward  her  which  he 
had  not  felt  before.  She  had  proved  a  true  wife,  in 
spite  of  his  coldness  and  the  wandering  of  his  own 
heart.  Yet  without  a  single  reproach  for  himself,  he 
accepted  her  love  and  instituted  a  jealous  watchfulness 
over  it,  that  diverted  his  thoughts  from  Constance,  and 
conduced  to  his  own  happiness,  if  not  to  Elsie's. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  213 


XIX. 

ALL  thoughts  of  the  voyage  to  England  were  dis 
missed,  after  the  threatened  attack  of  the  Masapequas. 
Sir  Henry  had  not  mentioned  the  subject  to  Constance, 
but  in  his  own  mind  he  postponed  it  only  till  the  next 
season,  when  he  trusted  a  better  administration  of 
government,  and  the  increased  strength  of  the  colony, 
would  allay  all  fears  of  the  Indians.  A  proposal  of  a 
different  nature  was  made  to  Lady  Moody  a  few  weeks 
afterward,  which  for  some  reasons  met  her  approbation. 
George  Baxter,  an  esteemed  citizen  and  former  magis 
trate,  conferred  with  her  upon  the  possibility  of  obtain 
ing  Constance's  hand  in  marriage.  He  had  served 
as  secretary  under  Governor  Keith,  and  acted  as 
magistrate  of  Gravesend,  till  removed  by  the  present 
Director  for  the  bluutness  of  his  criticisms  on  the 
administration.  His  abilities  and  learning  gave  him 
weighty  influence.  The  countenance  of  this  Quaker 
politician  was  pleasing,  though  slightly  rayed  with 
wrinkles.  The  plain  adjustment  of  his  hair  perhaps 
added  to  his  age,  when  compared  with  the  bushy  curls 
which  mounted  the  head  of  the  baronet.  His  costume 
too,  deprived  of  the  ribbons,  laces,  buttons,  and  jewels 
which  entered  so  largely  into  the  dress  of  the  cavaliers 
of  the  day,  suggested  more  staidness  than  he  really  pos 
sessed.  This  did  not  lessen  him  in  the  esteem  of  Lady 
Moody ;  and  further,  she  regarded  his  sterling  charac- 


214  OOXSTANCE   ATLMER. 

ter,  influential  position,  and  easy  means,  as  both 
desirable  and  suitable  in  the  proposed  alliance.  In 
her  desire  to  secure  a  protector,  to  retain  Constance 
near,  and  to  avoid  for  her  the  temptations  of  a  frivo 
lous  life  in  London,  sbe  forgot  the  wants  of  a  deep  and 
loving  nature,  and  the  abhorrence  Constance  might 
feel  at  a  business  disposal  of  her  heart,  which  had  so 
lately  learned,  with  painful  acuteness,  the  height  and 
depth  of  lovet  Lady  Moody  had  the  wisdom  to  advise 
Friend  Baxter  to  wait  patiently,  and  not  spoil  his  suit 
by  too  hastily  pressing  it.  In  the  meantime,  she 
endeavored  to  prepare  the  way. 

"  Will  thee  go  with  me  to  meeting  ? "  she  asked, 
one  sunny  Sabbath.  There  was  no  house  of  worship 
in  Gravesend,  but  the  Quakers  met  at  private  dwell 
ings,  and  occupied  the  hours  in  religious  reading. 
Constance  was  often  present.  This  brilliant  autumn 
day  she  was  not  tempted  to  go. 

"Will  thee  not  go?" 

"Not  to-day.  My  dress  displeases  those  plain 
people.  I  am  loath  to  annoy  them." 

"  Why  does  thee  think  it  ?  None  have  complained 
of  its  unfitness." 

"  Last  Lord's  day,  Mr.  Baxter  watched  the  long 
feather  in  my  hat,  till  I  was  almost  constrained  to  pull 
it  out.  I  feared  every  moment  he  would  reprove  me 
aloud,  and  I  drew  back  behind  Mary  Tilton  ;  but  she,' 
unwilling  to  sit  before  me,  moved  herself  away,  so  that 
I  was  covered  with  confusion  at  being  unable  to  hide 
my  offending  hat." 

"  Art  thou  quite  sure  he  was  looking  at  thy  feath- 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  215 

er,  and  not  at  thyself?  "  queried  Lady  Moody,  with 
a  smile  so  full  of  meaning  that  Constance's  color  was 
visibly  heightened. 

"  Why  should  he  look  at  me  ?  He  is  fatherly  in 
his  kindness,  and  I  feared  would  be  too  fatherly  in 
his  reproof." 

"  I  do  not  think  he  intended  to  rebuke  thee.  J 
have  heard  him  say  he  admired  the  excellent  beauty 
of  thy  character,  and  holds  thee  an  example  for  all  the 
young  people  of  the  Manhattas." 

"  Mr.  Baxter  does  not  know  me  at  all  to  say  it. 
Neither  do  I  like  the  saying,  for  it  is  an  unpleasing 
constraint  to  hold  me  an  example  to  any,"  she  replied, 
with  much  warmth.  Lady  Moody  did  not  think  it 
prudent  to  approach  the  subject  nearer,  but  a  few 
days  later  ventured  to  express  her  wishes  and  plans. 
Constance  was  occupied  in  arranging  a  deep  fall  of 
lace  upon  a  dress.  She  consulted  her  aunt  as  to  the 
placing  of  it. 

"  Why  does  thee  put  so  much  fine  lace  upon  thy 
dress,  when  it  is  pleasing  without  ? "  asked  Aunt  Deb 
orah. 

"  Because  the  lace  lends  ease  to  the  stiff  stoma 
cher.  It  finishes  the  sleeves  gracefully  too.  Do  you 
not  see  how  soft  and  hazy  are  the  cuffs,  and  how  un 
comely  the  sleeves  would  be,  without  them  ?  " 

"  I  see  thy  love  for  these  luxurious  belongings,  but 
would  thee  not  be  willing  to  lay  them  aside,  if  one 
who  loved  thee  desired  it  2  " 

"  If  it  pains  you  to  see  me  decked  thus,  I  will  lay 
aside  the  lace,  dear  Aunt  Deborah.  You  never  chided 


216  CONSTANCE  Al'LlIER. 

me  before  for  the  wearing  of  it,"  said  Constance,  much 
surprised. 

"  But  if  another  desired  to  see  thee  wear  plain 
apparel  ?  " 

"Who,  my  dear  aunt?"  replied  Constance,  still 
more  perplexed. 

"  Suppose  thy  suitor  a  Quaker." 

u  You  suppose  an  impossibility,"  was  the  laughing 
reply.  "  My  high-heeled  shoes,  my  trains,  my  huge  fan, 
the  brooches,  bodkins,  and  jewels  would  frighten  a 
soberminded  Friend." 

"  They  have  not  frighted  George  Baxter.  He  de 
sires  thy  hand.  Doubtless,  seeing  thy  good  sense,  he 
believes  thee  able  to  loose  thyself  easily  from  the  bonds 
of  court  fashions." 

The  elegant  dress  and  costly  lace  fell  from  Con 
stance's  hand.  She  looked  ready  to  cry,  and  ready  to 
laugh.  At  length  she  gave  indignant  voice  to  her 
thoughts. 

"  Why  does  he  not  choose  a  wife  whose  age  and 
opinions  approach  his  ?  Tell  him  never  to  breathe  the 
thought  to  me !  " 

"  Thou  knowest  George  Baxter  is  a  citizen  not  to 
be  despised.  He  is  a  noble-hearted  man,  and  I  think 
could  make  thee  very  hapyjy." 

"  If  he  were  Prince  William,  I  should  refuse  his 
suit.  I  can  never  marry — never  !  never  !  "  Con 
stance  could  not  trust  her  voice  to  say  more,  and  took 
up  the  fallen  dress,  bending  her  head  low  to  hide  the 
dropping  tears. 

"  Do  not  be  hasty  in  thy  decision.     I  would  al- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  217 

ways  have  tbee  with  me,  but  the  day  may  soon  come 
when  I  shall  be  removed  hence,  and  it  would  be  sore 
distress  to  leave  thee  in  charge  of  thy  London  kins 
man." 

Whatever  more  Lady  Moody  would  have  added 
in  Friend  Baxter's  behalf,  was  cut  short  by  a  sum 
mons  from  Eose,  who  said  lyano  waited  without,  and 
would  not  be  refused.  A  sick  man  was  in  his  lodge 
and  needed  help.  Such  calls  were  in  the  ordinary 
routine  of  her  duties.  But  it  was  unusual  to  go  so 
far  as  the  Indian  encampment,  and  she  sent  for  Sir 
Henry  to  accompany  her.  After  preparing  a  basket 
of  such  articles  as  might  be  needed,  they  set  out  on 
horseback,  following  a  narrow  trail  through  the  woods 
for  two  or  three  miles,  then  emerged  upon  the  broad 
open  space  where  the  Indian  village  lay. 

A  flock  of  nude  children  sporting  with  arrows, 
squaws  gathering  porn,  and  a  score  or  more  of  sava 
ges  preparing  for  a  hunt,  met  the  sight  of  the  com 
ers.  Bundles  of  flags  and  bulrushes  for  making  mats 
lay  near  some  of  the  wigwams,  and  squaws  sat  by 
them  weaving  mats  or  baskets  of  black  and  white 
rushes,  or  little  baskets  of  crab-shells. 

Apart  from  the  rest  was  a  wigwam  built  of  saplings 
bent  in  a  rounded  form,  and  covered  with  thick- 
wrought  mats.  A  long  mat,  brightly  colored,  served 
for  a  screen  at  the  entrance.  Within,  eagles'  claws, 
horns  of  deer,  and  bunches  of  feathers  from  the 
sea-drake  or  the  eagle,  hung  against  the  handsome 
skins  that  lined  the  hut.  A  basket  of  roasted  acorns 
was  the  only  visible  food.  A  rude  bed  of  moss  and 
10 


218  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

leaves,  over  which  was  thrown  a  beautiful  deer-skin, 
was  on  one  side,  and  upon  this  lay  the  sick  stranger. 

When  Lady  Moody  entered,  she  could  not  perceive 
the  features  of  the  sick  man  ;  but  as  her  eyes  became 
accustomed  to  the  dim  light,  she  saw  that  the  face, 
emaciated  and  discolored  with  paint,  had  neither  the 
mould  nor  the  complexion  of  an  Indian  visage.  His 
eyes  were  wild  and  restless,  and  his  thin  hands  hot 
with  fever.  He  refused  the  kind  offices  Lady  Moody 
would  have  performed,  and  stared  at  her  with  an 
ugly  glare.  The  sight  of  Sir  Henry  maddened  him. 

"  Away  with  you !  "  he  cried.  "  You  come  to  gloat 
over  my  evil  plight.  You  have  hunted  me  down  at 
last,  but  you  will  neither  get  me  nor  the  Dutch  boor's 
gold.  The  gold  is  in  the  sea.  You  are  too  late  to 
serve  your  writ  on  me.  I  am  mortgaged,  soul  and 
body,  to  the  devil.  Ah  ha  !  you  savage  vagabond  !  " 
said  he,  shaking  his  fist  feebly  at  lyano,  "  is  it  for  this 
you  brought  me  here  ? " 

Lady  Moody  and  Sir  Henry  stood  amazed  at  the 
sight  of  this  fallen  cavalier.  His  velvet,  gold  lace, 
corslet,  and  hose  had  given  place  to  coarsely  dressed 
skins ;  his  massive  periwig  had  disappeared,  and  his 
matted  locks  were  tied  in  an  imgainly  knot  upon  his 
crown.  His  oily  speech  and  courtier-like  gallantries 
were  dropped,  as  needless  masks  in  his  last  extremity, 
and  his  true  heart  laid  bare  in  confessions  of  the  hor 
rors  of  his  guilty  life,  and  in  blasphemous  reproaches 
against  God.  Lady  Moody  listened  till  she  could  en 
dure  no  longer. 

"  I  know,  Edgardo  Percy,  that  thou  art  a  fugitive 


CONSTANCE  ATLMEE.  '219 

from  justice,  a  betra}Ter  of  thy  friends,  and  a'  woful 
rebel  against  the  Almighty,"  said  she.  "  But  thy  sins 
can  be  washed  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  if 
thou  wilt  believe  in  him.  Even  now,  he  is  able  to 
give  thee  a  robe  of  righteousness  in  which  to  stand 
before  him,  if  thou  wilt  take  it.  He  died  for  such  as 
thee." 

"  I  cannot  believe !  I  cannot  believe !  My  soul  is 
too  full  of  horrors.  All  the  evil  deeds  of  my  life 
crowd  like  grinning  demons  into  my  thoughts.  There 
is  no  room  for  belief." 

"  But  dost  thou  not  grieve  for  all  thy  ill  works  ? 
Canst  thou  not  repent,  and  pray  God  for  mercy  ? " 

"  Pray  ?  "  shouted  Percy.  "  No.  Pray  to  the 
rock  that  is  even  now  crushing  me?  Judgment  has 
come.  I  would  fly  from  God ;  he  is  my  judge.  There 
is  no  mercy." 

"  Look  to  Christ,  Edgardo.  He  is  love  and  mercy. 
Tor  his  sake,  the  Father  will  receive  thee." 

"  I  have  mocked  Christ ;  he  will  not  hear  me. 
There  is  no  time,  no  room  for  mercy  and  love.  I 
am  full  of  horror  and  hatred.  Leave  me !  you  do 
but  taunt  me.  You  come  with  your  testimony,  and 
your  godly  life,  to  condemn  me.  Why  torment  me 
before  my  time  ? "  He  cursed  and  blasphemed  till 
the  listeners  were  shocked.  Tears  poured  like  rain 
over  the  cheeks  of  Lady  Moody. 

"  Come  away,  mother,"  urged  Sir  Henry.  "  His 
words  are  not  fit  for  your  ears.  You  do  but  '  cast 
pearls  before  swine.' ': 

"  Let  me  at  least  better  the  pitiful  condition  of  his 


220  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

body,  if  1  cannot  help  his  soul,"  said  she,  preparing 
medicine,  and  attempting  to  cool  his  head  and  hands. 
Percy  flung  the  potion  from  him,  and  warded  off  the 
bath.  Her  gentleness  availed  nothing.  Seeing  that 
her  presence  only  aggravated  his  illness,  she  consented 
to  withdraw  and  allow  lyano  to  serve  him.  She  gave 
simple  directions,  and  prepared  such  nourishment  as 
she  could  over  a  fire  of  dry  leaves  and  sticks.  When 
she  had  finished,  she  called  lyano  to  sit  beside  her. 

"  How  came  Edgardo  Percy  in  thy  lodge  ? "  she 
asked. 

"  His  feet  slide  !  "  She  remembered  the  verse 
read  to  him. 

"  Didst  thou  cause  them  to  slide  ? " 

"  Me  find  him  on  cold  ground,  all  sick.  Me  no 
want  to  touch  him.  The  Evil-minded  said,  '  No  help 
your  enemy.'  Me  go  away.  Good  Spirit  come  to 
Iyano?s  lodge  and  say,  '  Give  him  drink.'  The  Bad 
Spirit  say,  *  Let  him  die ;  he  kill  the  White  Swallow.' 
Then  Jesus  said,  '  Take  him  to  your  lodge,  feed  him ; 
love  your  enemy,  or  I  no  love  you.'  Me  feel  very 
bad;  me  pray;  me  go  bring  serpent  to  my  lodge. 
The  mother  sees  him." 

"lyano,  thou  art  a  beloved  disciple.  God  will 
reward  thee.  Thy  end  will  be  peace,"  said  Lady 
Moody,  much  moved.  Even  Sir  Henry  was  not  an 
indifferent  listener. 

"  This  heathen  has  outstripped  me ! "  he  ex 
claimed.  "I  could  in  no  wise  do  what  lyano  has 
done." 

tl  Unless  Christ  dwelt  in  thy  heart,"  his  mother 


CONSTANCE    AVLMEE.  221 

added.  "  Let  us  ask  our  Fatlier  to  have  mercy  on 
poor  Edgardo.  I  cannot  go  home  without  one  plea," 
she  said,  as  they  arose  to  go.  Sir  Henry  leaned 
against  a  tree,  and  waited  silently  and  respectfully. 
Seeing  Lady  Moody  kneel  upon  the  ground,  lyano 
knelt  also.  She  prayed  fervently,  as  a  woman  with 
all  her  sympathies  stirred  could  pray.  The  sick  man 
in  the  cabin,  only  a  little  way  removed  from  them, 
could  hear  her  distinct  utterance.  It  quieted  him. 
Sir  Henry  wondered  at  the  silence.  He  could  hardly 
listen  to  his  mother's  words,  for  agitation  and  awe 
in  thinking  that  perhaps  the  Spirit  was  moving  upon 
that  wicked  heart,  and  casting  out  the  legion  of  devils 
that  had  occupied  it ;  or  perhaps  Percy  had  sud 
denly  died.  The  suspense  was  painful.  As  soon  as 
his  mother  had  finished,  he  strode  to  the  door  of  the 
wigwam ;  but  before  he  could  enter,  there  came  forth 
a  despairing  cry,  mingled  with  oaths,  which  arrested 
him  as  if  they  had  taken  visible  shape. 

"May  the  Lord  spare  me  from  such  a  death-bed," 
said  he,  turning  away.  He  wished  to  escape  from 
these  terrible  cries  of  remorse  and  despair,  and  has 
tened  his  mother's  departure.  She  promised  daily 
help  and  counsel  to  lyano,  and  went  away  reluctant 
and  oppressed.  She  had  not  prayed  with  faith.  She 
was  unbelieving  now,  and  in  all  the  homeward  jour 
ney  wearied  herself  with  self-reproaches,  because  she 
could  not  approach  nearer  to  the  throne  of  grace  with 
this  great  burden.  She  counselled  with  Constance ; 

O  ' 

she  searched  the  Bible  for  every  passage  that  prom 
ised  mercy  to  the  erring ;  she  prayed,  fasted,  went 


222  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

again  with  entreaties  to  Percy — all  without  once  feel 
ing  the  repose  of  faith  that  her  prayers  would  be  an 
swered.  This  was  a  new  and  sorrowful  experience. 

"  I  fear  that  God  is  deaf  to  my  poor  intercessions. 
Can  it  be  that  this  soul  has  persisted  too  long  and 
wilfully  against  mercy  ?  "  said  Lady  Moody.  "  Oh, 
my  son,  thee  can  see  how  fearful  it  is  to  wait  till  the 
last  day  of  life  to  make  peace  with  God.  Edgardo  has 
no  longer  any  power  to  look  at  the  cross  of  Christ. 
The  pains  of  an  awakened  conscience  deprive  him  of 
reason.  Alas  !  what  can  I  do  for  him  ?  " 

Lady  Moody  labored  in  vain.  There  was  no  change 
except  for  the  worse,  in  body  and  mind.  Percy  failed 
slowly.  His  iron  frame  resisted  the  progress  of  disease, 
and  might  have  overcome  it,  but  for  the  fiercer  rava 
ges  of  a  remorseful  mind.  At  times  he  refused  to 
die,  and,  rising  out  of  his  bed,  staggered  from  the 
hut,  to  the  terror  of  all  who  beheld  him,  and  fell  ex 
hausted,  to  be  carried  back  again  on  the  shoulders  of 
faithful  lyano.  Stories  of  witchcraft  began  to  be 
whispered.  This  was  an  additional  source  of  anxiety 
to  Lady  Moody.  When  lyano  came  therefore  one 
day  and  told  her  Percy  was  dead,  she  heard  it  with 
a  sense  of  relief.  Sir  Henry  made  preparations  to 
return  with  lyano,  to  give  him  burial. 

"  Strange  ! "  said  he  as  he  went.  "  This  is  a  strange 
thing  that  I,  who  have  spread  so  many  nets  to  capture 
Percy,  should  go  at  last  to  give  him  a  friendly  rest  in 
the  grave." 

"  No  law  by  which  thou  couldst  have  condemned 
him,"  replied  his  mother, "  can  equal  that  simple  law 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  223 

under  which  he  suffered :  '  Whatsoever  a  man  sow- 
eth,  that  shall  he  also  reap.'  His  soul  is  in  the  hands 
of  the  living  God.  Do  thou  bury  him  with  pity,  re 
membering  that  thou  also  must  reap  either  eternal 
death  or  eternal  life." 

Constance  stood  by  with  some  late  Autumn  flow 
ers  in  her  hand,  hesitating  if  she  should  send  them 
forgivingly  to  repose  with  Percy.  There  was  no 
mother,  no  sister,  no  kinsman,  to  mourn  him.  She 
was  touched  by  the  utter  forlornness  of  his  death.  She 
reached  them  toward  Sir  Henry  as  he  was  going,  and 
then  drew  back. 

"  No,"  said  she,  "  I  cannot.  They  are  too  pure  to  lie 
upon  his  breast.  It  is  not  fit  that  he  should  wear  flow 
ers.  I  can  weep  for  poor  Percy,  but  I  cannot  honor 
him." 

Many  days  passed  before  the  family  at  Moody 
Hall  could  recover  from  the  depressing  influence  of 
Percy's  miserable  death.  New  sympathies,  interests, 
and  plans  at  length  diverted  them  from  these  sad 
thoughts.  The  days  grew  shorter,  and  the  frosty 
evenings  brought  them  in  cheerful  companionship 
about  the  fireside.  Constance  seemed  herself  again. 
Sir  Henry  told  her  of  his  purpose  of  going  to  England 
the  next  season,  and  amused  her  with  his  accounts  of 
London  and  the  gay  Lady  Grey.  Oliver  Cromwell's 
growing  greatness  was  a  topic  of  increasing  interest. 
His  successes  at  home  and  abroad,  his  boldness  in  all 
reformations,  his  piety,  impressed  them  deeply.  Con 
stance  was  a  hero- worshipper,  and  this  kingly  man, 
risen  out  of  the  common  ranks  by  the  force  of  his  own 


224  CONSTANCE  AYLMEJ1. 

character,  and  ruling  men  by  the  sole  power  of  his 
own  will,  without  the  aid  of  royal  prestige  and  pa 
geants,  was  a  sublime  spectacle  in  her  eyes.  Had 
he  been  a  less  worthy  ruler,  she  yet  would  have  ad 
mired  his  grand  strength.  His  godliness  added  a  maj 
esty  which  awakened  all  her  enthusiasm.  It  was  pos 
itive  happiness  to  enthrone  another  human  being  in 
her  imagination,  and  see  him  invested  with  all  noble 
qualities.  There  would  be  less  likelihood  of  his 
falling  from  the  pedestal  than  that  other,  at  whose 
feet  she  had  laid  the  freshest  emotions  of  her  heart. 

There  was  a  frequenter  of  the  family  fireside  who 
vied  with  her  enthusiasm,  though  in  a  less  lofty  de 
gree.  This  was  Mr.  Baxter.  He  could  not  perceive 
the  singleness  of  purpose  which  she  awarded  Cromwell, 
nor  would  he  consent  that  innate  strength  had  any 
more  to  do  with  his  reaching  the  throne  than  the  force 
of  circumstances.  Yet  he  greatly  admired  the  man 
and  his  work,  and  often  expressed  the  wish  that  the 
Manhattas  were  under  his  rule,  rather  than  subject  to 
Holland. 

"Whenever  a  ship  arrived  with  later  news  from 
England,  or  when  any  vague  rumors  of  affairs  over 
the  ocean  reached  him,  Mr.  Baxter  made  it  the  occa 
sion  of  a  visit  to  Moody  Hall.  Yet,  despite  his  fre 
quent  visits,  he  felt  that  he  made  little  or  no  progress 
in  Constance's  interest.  He  had  not  ventured  to  ex 
press  his  wishes  or  his  admiration,  for  she  held  him 
aloof.  How,  he  could  not  have  explained.  Neither, 
perhaps,  could  she.  It  was  simple  aversion  on  her 
part  to  '  marriage  without  love,  and  the  aversion  un- 


CONSTANCE   ATLMER.  225 

consciously  made  itself  apparent.  He  could  not  ac 
cept  this  subtle  assurance  of  defeat  like  a  wise  man, 
and  leave  her,  but  seized  the  first  opportunity  to  pre 
sent  himself  as  her  suitor. 

He  found  her  alone  one  evening.  She  very  soon 
discovered  his  intentions  in  coming,  and  her  first  im 
pulse  was  to  escape  from  the  hateful  interview.  Then 
she  reflected  how  very  unquakerish  was  her  toilet  that 
evening.  A  bodkin  set  with  rubies  confined  the 
bands  of  her  hair,  and  a  like  cluster  of  stones  glowed 
upon  her  bodice.  Her  dress  was  of  the  same  rich  dark 
hue,  and  lay  in  sweeping  length  upon  the  floor.  The 
sleeves  were  slashed  with  silk  of  a  delicate  shade  of 
amber.  She  hoped  that  Friend  Baxter  would  be  con 
vinced  at  a  glance  of  the  unsuitableuess  of  his  choice. 
But  the  worthy  citizen  saw  the  beauty  of  her  face  and 
the  grace  of  her  figure,  without  noting  if  either  owed 
anything  to  the  choice  of  color  or  style  of  dress.  He 
might  have  condemned  the  jewels  apart  from  the 
wearer,  but  they  seemed  properly  in  place,  without 
attracting  his  especial  notice ;  the  silk  too,  in  so  strong 
contrast  with  the  dark  folds  against  which  it  lay, 
might  have  offended  his  eye,  had  not  the  fairness  of 
the  arm  which  it  half  veiled  made  him  forget  to  dis 
approve.  If  she  had  manifested  a  little  vanity,  or 
coquettish  archness,  or  frolicsome  gayety,  in  the  enter 
tainment  of  her  guest,  he  might  have  criticised  the 
worldliness  of  her  attire ;  as  it  was,  jewels,  lace,  and 
silk  were  forgotten  in  the  repose  of  her  manner  and 
thoughtfulness  of  her  countenance. 

Friend  Baxter  adroitly  led  the  conversation  to  the 
10* 


226  CONSTANCE   ATLMER. 

verge  of  a  declaration.  Constance  just  as  expertly 
diverted  it.  She  hoped  to  convince  him  of  the  folly 
of  his  errand,  and  deter  him  from  fulfilling  it.  Did 
he  broach  Quakerism  ?  She  showed  herself  churchly 
on  all  points.  Did  he  speak  kindly  of  his  deceased 
wife?  Most  heartily  she  commended  him  to  remain 
faithful  to  her  memory.  If  he  argued  in  favor  of  the 
union  of  youth  and  age,  she  almost  scornfully  con 
demned  it.  She  was  frightened  at  her  own  audacity 
in  so  opposing  the  opinions  of  one  whom  she  regarded 
with  respectful  deference,  yet  was  continually  provoked 
to  it  by  her  perverse  suitor.  George  Baxter  was  by 
nature  a  lawyer,  though  he  had  spent  part  of  his 
youth  as  an  officer  in  the  British  army.  He  gave  a 
wonderful  twist  to  all  that  Constance  said,  construed 
it  favorably,  or  proved  her  contrary  opinion  to  be  one 
and  the  same  with  his.  It  was  a  useless  strife.  The 
more  she  placed  herself  beyond  his  reach,  the  more 
fixed  was  his  purpose  to  woo.  Ceasing  his  preliminary 
skirmish,  he  expressed  himself  distinctly. 

"Constance,"  he  asked,  "hast  thou  set  thy  affec 
tions  on  any  one  with  whom  I  should  interfere  unjust 
ly,  in  seeking  thy  hand  ? "  She  hesitated,  and  trembled 
as  if  with  cold. 

"  You  would  interfere  only  with  myself,"  she  re 
plied.  "  Having  no  affection  to  bestow,  your  effort  to 
seek  it  must  bring  disappointment."  Friend  Baxter 
did  not  dream,  as  he  watched  her  white  face  and  her 
seeming  self-possession,  what  a  storm  of  feeling  he 
had  awakened.  The  old  love  spurning  the  new, 
resentment  at  the  thought  of  age  asking  the  sacrifice 


CONSTANCE    A.YLMER.  227 

of  youth,  dread  of  wounding  by  her  frankness,  and 
a  struggle  for  courage  to  speak  with  decision,  were 
like  separate  personalities  conferring  together  so 
violently,  that  her  mind's  eye  looked  on  in  dismay. 
Mr.  Baxter  did  not  believe  that  she  possessed  no  heart, 
and  took  courage. 

"  I  do  not  expect  to  win  thy  love  at  once,"  he  said. 
"  Esteem  is  an  excellent  foundation  whereon  to  build 
love.  In  time  thou  wouldst  find  thy  affection 
awakened." 

How  matter-of-fact  the  voice  sounded  in  her  ear ! 
What  indignant  thoughts  were  stirred  by  the  cool 
suggestion  that  in  time  her  love  would  awake,  as  if  it 
had  not  already  almost  mastered  her  life  1  She  was 
nerved  to  plain  speech. 

"  Mr.  Baxter,  I  honor  you  as  a  citizen  and  a  friend 
of  my  aunt.  The  continuance  of  my  esteem  will  de 
pend  upon  the  light  in  which  you  regard  me.  I  shall 
hold  myself  free  from  any  alliance — especially  with 
one  whose  age  would  forbid  a  right  sympathy." 

"  Thou  art  inexperienced,  or  thou  wouldst  think 
better  of  thip.  I  request  thee  not  to  be  hasty  in  thy 
decision."  The  calmness  and  the  superior  wisdom 
with  which  he  received  her  agitated  words  annoyed 
her.  She  resolved  to  ridicule  his  purpose. 

"  Think  of  yourself  with  a  wife  in  satin  and  pearls, 
feathers,  lace,  and  jewels ! " 

"  Thou  wouldst  not  desire  to  dress  in  that  showy 
fashion,  when  thou  dost  not  already." 

"  Truly  I  do.  Here  is  a  jewelled  bodkin  in  my  hair. 
Color  and  ornament  are  not  lacking  in  my  dress,  and, 


228  CONSTANCE  AYLMEB. 

for    needful  state,   I  do    not  demur    at  satin  and 
pearls." 

"Hast  thou  forgotten  what  Paul  says?  'Let 
women  adorn  themselves  in  modest  apparel,  with 
shamefacedness  and  sobriety ;  not  with  broidered  hair, 
or  gold,  or  pearls,  or  costly  array,  but,  which  becometh 
women  professing  godliness,  with  good  works.'  Know 
ing  this,  ought  thou  not  to  cast  aside  these  needless 
ornaments  ? " 

"  My  apparel  is  both  modest  and  sober,  compared 
with  the  reigning  fashion.  I  would  neither  follow 
its  fripperies,  nor  wrap  myself  in  the  uncomely  garb 
of  the  Friends." 

"  Does  thy  aunt's  apparel  displease  thee  ? " 

"It  becomes  her  age.  It  would  disfigure  mine, 
and  its  sombreness  would  fill  my  thoughts." 

"  But  how  dost  thou  reconcile  the  gold  and  pearls  ? " 

"  They  accord  with  my  station  and  means,  and  I 
give  them  useful  disposal.  If  they  cramped  my  purse, 
they  would  become  me  poorly,  or  if  they  had  no  end 
but  display,  I  should  not  be  above  the  squaw  who 
decks  herself  with  shining  tin  and  copper." 

"  Most  women  set  their  hearts  upon  a  fine  show 
of  jewels.  Ought  thou  to  favor  their  sinfulness  by 
thy  example  in  even  a  less  display  ? " 

"My  example  counsels  moderation,  not  excess. 
Neither  do  I  condemn  myself  for  joy  in  the  beauty  of 
these  things.  See  the  superb  color  of  these  rubies !  " 
said  she,  unfastening  her  brooch,  and  holding  it  before 
the  light.  "  That  delights  me  as  does  the  excellent 
color  and  form  of  a  flower.  If  you  hold  that  sinful,  it 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEB.  229 

must  be  wrong  also  to  glory  in  tbe  splendors  of  the 
new  Jerusalem." 

"When  we  walk  the  streets  of  that  city,  we  shall 
be  free  from  sin.  Here  sin  mingles  in  our  best  emo 
tions.  Thy  harmless  delight  in  these  gems  may  grow 
to  a  vain  pride  in  them  before  thou  art  aware." 

"  You  would  smother  this  joy  just  as  monks  and 
nuns  smother  all  joys,  lest  they  be  sinful,"  said  Con 
stance. 

"We  should  meddle  with  vanities  as  little  as 
possible,"  returned  Friend  Baxter. 

"  You  would  put  both  soul  and  body  in  straight 
ened  durance,"  Constance  replied.  "  I  crave  more  free 
dom.  I  would  never  have  these  things  stand  between 
me  and  God,  and  I  would  have  them  bend  always 
to  the  needs  of  a  fellow-creature.  But  may  my  heart 
always  bound  at  the  sight  of  beauty,  be  it  in  a  jewel, 
a  flower,  the  plumage  of  a  gentle  bird,  or  the  arches 
of  a  cathedral." 

"  Thou  speakest  indeed  like  a  maiden  unused  to 
the  world.  When  thou  hast  seen  more  of  its  vanity 
and  temptations,  thou  wilt  agree  with  me  in  this  mat 
ter." 

Thus  Friend  Baxter  ended  just  where  he  com 
menced,  with  the  argument  of  Constance's  inexperi 
ence.  Yet  he  began  to  perceive  the  hopelessness  of 
his  case,  in  the  fact  that  more  spirit'lay  under  the  guise 
of  her  gentle  face  than  he  had  supposed.  While  con 
tinuing  the  conversation,  he  reflected  that  much  of 
her  expressed  aversion  was  in  regard  to  the  strict 
plainness  of  the  dress  of  his  sect.  Would  it  not  be 


230  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

wise  to  humor  a  little  the  natural  choice  of  a  young 
girl  ?  Age  would  modify  her  tastes.  "Why  not  please 
her  now  with  less  severity  of  costume,  and  return  to 
it  at  some  future  time?  He  hesitated.  He  was 
thoughtful  and  embarrassed.  But  what  would  he  not 
do  to  win  this  beautiful  girl  ? 

"  Constance,"  he  asked  abruptly,  at  length,  "  if  I 
should  alter  the  attire  which  is  so  hateful  in  thine 
eyes,  wouldst  thou  reconsider  thy  decision  ? " 

"  I  fear  if  you  escaped  from  under  your  wide  hat 
for  so  small  a  reason,  you  would  get  under  it  again 
just  as  speedily,"  was  the  playful  reply. 

"  I  am  not  jesting.  I  desire  to  know,  in  case  I 
were  to  conform  less  to  the  opinions  of  my  people  in 
this  matter,  if  thy  chief  objections  would  not  be  re 
moved  ? " 

"  No,"  said  Constance,  earnestly.  "  I  should 
neither  dare  to  mislead  your  conscience,  nor  should 
esteem  you  if  you  permitted  it." 

He  saw  immediately  that  he  had  gone  too  far,  and 
felt  humbled  at  her  rebuke.  After  a  painful  silence, 
he  arose  to  leave  her. 

"  Thou  art  right,"  said  he,  "  to  bring  me  to  a  re 
membrance  of  the  allegiance  I  owe  to  godly  principle 
rather  than  to  love.  The  fairness  of  thy  countenance 
hath  bewitched  me,  and  lest  I  sin  in  laying  more  of 
my  conscience  at  thy  feet,  I  will  leave  thee  altogether. 
Fare  thee  well." 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  231 


XX. 

THE  winter  months  passed  unmarked  at  Moody 
Hall.  Mr.  Baxter  spent  some  weeks  in  New  Eng 
land,  so  that  he  was  missed  from  the  lively  disputa 
tions  on  English  affairs  still  carried  on.  "When  he  re 
turned,  he  was  absorbed  in  a  new  project,  which  he 
cautiously  unfolded  to  such  citizens  as  would  proba 
bly  favor  it,  but  for  some  reason  deferred  making  it 
known  to  Sir  Henry  or  Lady  Moody  till  his  plans 
were  nearly  completed.  One  day  he  visited  the  Hall 
for  the  purpose  of  consulting  with  them. 

"  Friend  Deborah,"  said  he,  after  some  hesitation, 
"  I  have  come  to  tell  thee  of  the  important  results  of 
my  visit  to  New  England.  Would  thee  not  rejoice  to 
see  Gravesend  brought  under  English  rule  ? " 

"  Truly  I  would,  if  it  could  be  done  without  dis 
honor." 

"  Cromwell  has  ordered  the  governors  of  New 
England  to  take  possession  of  Long  Island,  and  by 
force  if  necessary." 

"  Where  didst  thou  get  thy  information  ? "  asked 
Lady  Moody,  greatly  surprised. 

"  Chiefly  in  Quinnipiac,  now  called  New  Haven. 
Governor  Eaton  does  not  despise  the  rumor,  and  when 
I  related  our  grievances  to  John  Davenport,  the  min 
ister,  and  one  of  the  f  seven  pillars  '  of  the  new  colony, 
he  was  filled  with  indignation  that  we  should  submit 


232  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

to  so  hard  requirements.  Others  advised  us  to  revo 
lutionize  the  colony,  and  offered  help." 

"  Were  those  offers  of  help  from  persons  in  au 
thority  ? "  asked  Sir  Henry,  with  an  incredulous  look. 

"  Thee  knows  my  stay  was  too  short  to  consult 
with  many  in  authority.  Two  English  captains  ten 
dered  their  ships  and  themselves  to  assist  us." 

"  Adventurers  ! "  said  Sir  Henry.  "  Doubtless 
they  are  fired  by  Cromwell's  successes,  and  think  to 
conquer  the  world  in  his  name  !  " 

"  They  promise  the  arrival  of  troops  this  spring," 
added  Mr.  Baxter. 

"Friend  Baxter,"  interrupted  lady  Moody,  u  what 
dost  thou  propose  to  do  here,  in  preparations  for  these 
helps?" 

"  Renounce  our  allegiance  to  the  Dutch  author 
ities." 

"  Are  any  ready  to  venture  so  much  ?  " 

"  John  Grover,  Sergeant  Hubbard,  and  others  of 
our  townsmen  uphold  me." 

"  Friend,  thou  art  engaging  in  a  foolish  rebellion." 

"  It  is  right  to  rebel  against  tyrants." 

"  But  hadst  thou  stated  our  grievances  to  Oliver 
Cromwell,  and  were  he  our  champion,  it  would  still 
become  thee  not  to  cast  thyself  upon  the  Director 
single-handed.  Rumors  and  two  captains  will  never 
safely  back  thee,  or  frighten  Petrus  Stuyvesant." 

"  I  hope  to  accomplish  a  peaceful  revolution  while 
the  Director  is  absent  in  the  West  Indies,  not  doubt 
ing  we  shall  have  English  troops  here  by  the  season 
of  his  return. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  233 

"  I  foresee  your  pitiful  plight  if  they  fail  to  arrive," 
remarked  Sir  Henry,  who  ridiculed  the  whole  affair. 

"  But  the  cause  is  worthy  of  some  risk.  Graves- 
end  can  never  become  the  fine  city  we  planned, 
under  Director  Stuy  vesant's  rule.  We  are  strictly  an 
English  colony,  and  should  be  under  English  rule. 
We  are  wearied  with  unjust  restrictions  upon  our 
worship.  Thou  shouldst  not  consider  the  risks  alone, 
but  bear  in  mind  the  honors  of  success  also." 

"  What  honors  ?  "  questioned  Sir  Henry. 

"  Thee  may  receive  the  appointment  of  Governor 
of  the  Island." 

"  I  decline  the  honor  in  advance.  I  would  not 
stand  in  your  way,"  returned  Sir  Henry,  ironically. 
Crossing  the  room  to  the  window,  where  Constance 
sat  at  her  embroidery  frame,  he  said  in  an  undertone, 

"  Do  you  comprehend  this  revolutionist  ?  Are  you 
dazzled  by  the  governorship  2  " 

"  Pray  do  not  jest,"  she  entreated,  and  turned 
away  lest  Mr.  Baxter  should  be  wounded  by  the  dis 
covery  of  his  ridicule. 

"  Friend  Baxter,"  said  Lady  Moody,  after  a  pause, 
"  is  thy  heart  fully  set  within  thee  to  do  this  thing  ?  " 

"  Yea,  Deborah,"  was  the  earnest  answer. 

"  And  art  thou  sure  that  the  interest  of  the  colony 
alone  moves  thee  ? "  His  reply  was  less  frank.  He 
offered  various  reasons.  Lady  Moody  put  them  aside. 

"  Friend  Baxter,"  said  she,  "  thee  would  use  despite 
toward  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  in  that  he  deposed  thee 
from  office.  I  remember  his  anger  and  thine.  Thee 
would  throw  off  his  yoke  in  retaliation." 


234  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

"  He  had  no  right  to  interfere  with  the  election.  I 
was  duly  elected." 

"  It  would  please  thee  not  only  to  take  away  part 
of  his  dominion,  but  to  govern  it  also,  and  thus  avenge 
thyself.  Is  this  our  rule  of  life  ?  "  said  Lady  Moody, 
fearlessly. 

"  Thou  h&t  no  right  to  impute  to  me  these  mo*- 
tives,"  was  the  reply.  "  If  thou  wilt  be  blind  to  thine 
own  interests,  thou  shouldst  not  hinder  others." 

"  George  Baxter,  thee  knows  I  have  the  welfare  of 
this  colony  near  my  heart.  I  warn  thee  not  to  disturb 
its  peace  foolishly.  Thy  plots  will  draw  many  people 
into  sorrow.  As  for  thee,  the  Director  will  send  thee 
to  Holland  in  chains." 

Friend  Baxter  was  offended,  and  arose  to  go.  lie 
was  disappointed  in  not  securing  the  approbation  he 
sought,  and  not  a  little  chagrined  at  so  severe  reproofs 
in  the  presence  of  Constance.  There  were  many  who 
would  have  been  influenced  by  Lady  Moody's  and  Sir 
Henry's  endorsement  of  his  schemes.  Now  he  must 
continue  his  plans  without  them,  trusting  that  success 
would  quickly  convert  them  to  his  views. 

Rumors  of  disaffection  began  to  reach  New  Am 
sterdam.  Director  Stuy  vesant  was  absent  on  a  peace 
ful  expedition  to  the  West  Indies,  having  left  the  gov 
ernment  in  the  hands  of  Councillor  De  Sille,  who 
took  no  steps  to  arrest  the  promised  revolution.  The 
eventful  day  was  already  appointed,  and  so  well  known 
and  so  widely  talked  of,  that  Sir  Henry  Moody  was 
amazed  at  the  torpidity  of  the  Dutch  authorities,  and 
shut  himself  up  in  vexation  at  all  parties. 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEH.  235. 

It  was  a  bright  morning  in  April  when  the  towns 
people  gathered  in  the  square  before  the  Town  House, 
some  curious  to  watch  the  proceedings,  and  some  full 
of  enthusiasm  at  the  prospect  of  pronouncing  them 
selves  once  more  subjects  of  England.  Sergeant 
Hubbard  harangued  the  crowd  from  the  steps  of  the 
Town  Hall,  and  was  sustained  by  noisy  acclama 
tions.  When  his  speech  and  the  applause  ended,  Mr. 
Baxter  stepped  forth,  and,  after  a  few  brief  words, 
read  a  paper  renouncing  allegiance  to  Holland,  and 
proclaiming  the  government  of  England.  It  was 
received  with  loud  cheers,  which  grew  almost  frantic 
when  the  Prince's  flag  was  lowered,  and  the  British 
colors  floated  proudly  at  the  head  of  the  tall  flagstaff. 

At  this  moment  a  small  party  of  horsemen  gal 
loped  into  town,  and  riding  directly  among  the  crowd, 
which  scattered  right  and  left,  dismounted  upon  the 
steps  of  the  Town  Hall.  In  live  minutes,  George 
Baxter  was  under  arrest  by  authority  of  the  Council 
of  New  Amsterdam,  the  British  colors  were  down, 
and  the  Prince's  flag  reinstated.  The  Fiscal  ordered 
the  crowd  to  disperse  to  their  homes,  which  they  were 
glad  to  do,  congratulating  themselves  on  so  happy  an 
escape,  and  leaving  the  village  square  as  still  as  on 
"  Lord's  day."  The  Manhattan  party  swooped  away 
with  their  prey.  In  a  few  hours,  Mr.  Baxter  was 
safely  immured  in  the  "  keep  "  of  the  Fort,  to  await 
the  return  of  the  valiant  Governor. 

Back  of  the  Fort  stood  the  school-house,  in  which 
was  included  the  schoolmaster's  dwelling.  It  was 
built  by  the  Company  in  Holland  that  had  planted 


236  CONSTANCE  AYOIER. 

the  Dutch  colony  here,  and  was  more  expensive  in 
finish  than  most  of  the  houses  in  New  Amsterdam. 
The  red-tiled  floor  of  the  family  room,  and  the  blue 
and  white  pictured  tiles  of  the  fireplace,  were  a 
source  of  pride  to  the  burghers,  and  of  never-failing 
interest  to  the  school  urchins,  who  invented  all  manner 
of  excuses  to  get  access  to  this  wonderful  room.  Hans 
was  no  longer  its  bachelor  occupant.  He  had  brought 
Lisbet  to  it  as  his  bride  one  day.  Her  own  bright 
pewter  adorned  the  mantel  now,  in  place  of  rusty 
nails,  shoe  roses,  empty  ink-bottles,  birch-rods,  and 
dusty  manuscripts.  The  tiles  had  never  shown  half 
their  beauty  before.  Even  the  stoop  was  more  inviting, 
and  the  cleanly  swept  walk  and  trim  flower-beds  told 
every  passer  by  that  a  good  wife  dwelt  here.  To  keep 
the  feet  of  unruly  children  from  straying  over  the  pet 
garden  would  have  puzzled  a  wiser  head  than  Lisbet's, 
but  she  administered  oly-koeks  and  seed-cakes,  and 
offered  rewards  of  the  brightest  poppies  that  grew. 

The  noise  of  these  children  at  play  penetrated  the 
solitary  prison  in  the  Fort,  and  was  a  pleasant  sound 
to  Mr.  Baxter.  He  amused  himself  by  divining  their 
sports,  by  picturing  characters  from  the  tone  of  the 
voices,  counted  the  hours  by  the  alternate  silence  and 
noise,  marked  the  holidays,  and  wrote  hjntnns  and  son 
nets  on  his  wooden  bench,  suggested  by  the  bubbling, 
careless  life  of  these  little  ones.  These  sounds  afford 
ed  the  cheeriest  moments  of  his  imprisonment.  Little 
else  broke  the  monotony.  A  few  who  knew  him  when 
Secretary  under  Director  Keith  visited  him,  but  for 
the  most  part  he  was  regarded  with  aversion  as  a  tur- 


CONSTANCE  ATLMER.  237 

bulent  traitor,  and  avoided  from  fear  of  the  disfavor 
of  Governor  Stuyvesant.  Lady  Moody  was  his  most 
faithful  friend.  She  had  been  severe  when  his  moni 
tor  ;  now,  in  his  distress,  she  had  no  words  of  reproach, 
but  many  for  his  comfort.  Four  months  went  slowly 
thus,  when  one  day  he  missed  the  voices  of  the  children 
at  an  unusual  time,  and  wondered  much  at  the  reason 
of  the  holiday.  May-day  and  Pinkster  had  gone  long 
ago.  It  was  not  seventh  day.  Perhaps  they  were 
dismissed  to  the  meadows.  Perhaps  the  heat  had 
awakened  pity  for  their  confinement.  Was  some 
official  dead  ?  Had  an  epidemic  seized  them  ?  Thus 
Mr.  Baxter  teazed  himself  that  long,  still,  warm 
afternoon,  waiting  uneasily  for  the  hour  of  his  even 
ing  meal  to  ask  the  question  of  his  keeper.  Before 
that  time  he  learned  in  a  pleasanter  way. 

Hans  had  granted  a  half  holiday  to  his  scholars, 
to  give  place  to  an  entertainment.  Lisbet  had  taken 
possession  of  the  school-room  for  her  guests'  supper- 
room,  and  now,  while"  poor  Mr.  Baxter  was  fretting 
over  the  unwonted  silence,  there  sat  in  the  tiled  room 
Dame  Zwaller  and  the  Burgomaster,  Barbara  and 
Dame  Roosevelt,  and  Constance  Aylmer,  who,  for  the 
first  time  in  many  months,  was  a  guest  under  the 
Zwaller  roof.  Barbara  told  her  how  sleek  the  cows 
were  at  the  bowery,  how  sweet  the  cream,  how  lus 
cious  the  berries ;  described  the  pruning  of  the  yew- 
trees  into  lions  each  side  of  the  gate,  and  the  success 
ful  growing  of  the  prim  box  borders  of  the  flower 
beds.  A  roly-poly  baby  was  plumped  on  the  floor  at 
Barbara's  feet,  the  very  embodiment  of  good-nature. 


238  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

Lisbet  stopped  in  her  running  to  and  fro  to  kiss  its 
cheeks  and  shake  it  into  laughter,  and  sometimes  the 
Burgomaster  lifted  it  on  his  knee,  or  passed  it  to  its 
admiring  grandmother.  In  any  case,  the  baby  was  a 
model  of  patience,  and  endured  all  the  pinching  and 
tossing  and  praising  without  raising  one  cry  in  self- 
defence. 

While  Lisbet  was  preparing  tea  with  deft  hands 
and  nimble  feet,  Constance  and  Barbara  went  out 
into  the  garden  to  enjoy  its  fragrant  luxuriance.  The 
morning-glories  had  clambered  almost  to  the  top  ot 
the  wall  of  the  Fort,  which  hemmed  in  the  garden  on 
one  side.  As  Constance's  eyes  followed  the  vines, 
she  thought  they  might  some  day  mount  the  top, 
creep  over  the  green  esplanade,  and  toss  their  gay 
blossoms  in  sight  of  the  forlorn  prisoner,  \vhen  he 
paced  the  yard  below  in  his  daily  exercise. 

"  It  must  be  very  warm  in  the  '  keep '  to-day,"  said 
Constance.  "  Poor  George  Baxter  is  there  yet.  I 
wish  1  could  see  him." 

"He  is  a  wicked  man!"  exclaimed  Barbara. 
"  How  can  you  wish  to  see  him  ?  " 

"Not  so  badly  minded  as  you  think,  Barbara. 
He  believed  himself  a  patriot." 

"  The  Director  will  be  angry  with  you,  if  you  ex 
cuse  his  treason." 

"  He  has  not  yet  returned  ?  "  asked  Constance, 
looking  wistfully  at  the  Fort. 

"No." 

"  Let  us  go  and  visit  George  Baxter.  It  is  but  a 
step  thither.  Nicholas  will  admit  us." 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  239 

"I  do  not  wish  to  see  the  monster!"  returned 
Barbara. 

"  You  need  not  look  at  him.  Come,  let  us  ask  Nich 
olas.  Or  there  is  Mistress  Bayard,  at  the  Governor's 
house.  You  can  ask  her.  She  would  not  willingly 
refuse  Baltazzar's  wife." 

"  I  will  go  to  the  house,  but  not  to  the  keep,"  an 
swered  Barbara,  trembling. 

"  Wait  till  I  speak  with  Lisbet,"  said  Constance, 
disappearing  in  the  house,  and  returning  agaiu  in  a 
moment  to  gather  a  handful  of  choice  fragrant  blos 
soms. 

"  Here  comes  Baltazzar !  "  exclaimed  Barbara, 
joyfully.  "  We  may  go  without  censure  under  his 
wing.  His  father  will  never  be  angry  with  him  for 
admitting  you."  As  Baltazzar  opened  the  gate  they 
met  him,  questioning. 

"  Go  ? "  he  answered,  raising  his  eyebrows  in  his 
father's  fashion.  "  Mistress  Constance  may  go  where- 
ever  she  wishes,  and  see  whoever  she  pleases." 

"  Thank  you !  "  returned  Constance,  gratefully 
smiling.  All  three  passed  out  of  the  gate,  and  walked 
toward  the  entrance  of  the  Fort. 

In  a  few  moments  they  were  within  the  keep,  a 
strong  inclosure  for  special  offenders.  An  ill-venti 
lated  apartment  with  a  stone  floor,  a  wooden  bench, 
and  a  low  pallet  of  straw,  was  apportioned  to  Friend 
Baxter.  When  Constance  entered,  his  head  was 
bowed  upon  his  hands.  She  thought  him  asleep,  and 
would  have  retreated,  but  he  looked  up  and  arose,  as 
tonished  as  if  a  vision  had  appeared  before  him. 


240  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

"  Is  it  possible  that  I  behold  thee,  Constance  Ayl- 
mer  ?  "  She  took  his  extended  hand. 

"  I  was  in  Lisbet's  garden,  and  wished  to  come  and 
see  you.  I  am  sorry  you  are  here.  I  would  help  you 
if  I  could." 

"  Thou  art  good  to  say  as  much ;  but  thou  canst 
not.  The  fool  must  suffer  for  his  folly.  How  is 
Friend  Deborah  ? " 

"  She  is  well.  She  has  letters  from  England  con 
cerning  George  Fox,  which  she  will  bring  when  she 
comes.  You  will  find  solace  in  them."  He  smiled 
sadly. 

"  Friend  Deborah  told  me  of  thy  resolve  to  visit 
England,"  said  he.  "  When  dost  thou  go  ?  " 

"  Three  weeks  hence." 

"  I  shall  miss  thy  face,  if  ever  I  return  to  Graves- 
end.  But  it  will  be  happiness  to  remember  thee  did 
not  forget  me  in  prison." 

"  What  message  shall  I  bear  to  my  aunt,  from 
you?" 

"  Tell  her  I  crave  books.  My  thoughts  devour 
me.  Thou  canst  see  that  I  suffer."  Constance's  eyes 
were  suffused  with  tears  as  she  saw  his  pale  face  and 
haggard  looks,  and  thought  how  long  he  might  yet 
remain  a  prisoner. 

"  Will  you  take  these  flowers  ? "  she  said.  "  They 
will  bring  freshness  and  fragrance  to  you  a  little 
while  ;  let  me  put  them  in  this  cup.  Perhaps  Lisbet 
will  bring  you  more  from  her  garden  when  T  am 
gone ;  I  will  ask  her."  Friend  Baxter  turned  awa.y 
to  conceal  his  emotion. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  241 

"  Thou  art  too  tender  in  thy  kindness,  and  the 
flowers  remind  me  of  the  free  air  of  heaven.  God 
bless  thee,  Constance  Aylmer." 

"  I  must  go  now,  else  the  friends  at  Lisbet's  will 
miss  us.  Here  is  my  fan  ;  I  will  leave  it  for. you, 
though  it  is  gayer  than  you  can  approve.  You  must 
think  only  of  its  use,  and  not  mind  the  gay  feathers," 
said  she,  smiling  gently,  as  she  unfastened  from  her 
belt  a  large  fan  bordered  with  swaying  white  feathers, 
and  laid  it  on  the  bench.  "  I  would  it  were  plainer, 
for  your  sake.  Good-bye,  Mr.  Baxter." 

"  Farewell,  beloved  friend.  I  will  not  ask  thee 
to  keep  me  in  mind  ;  I  am  not  worthy.  May  the 
Lord  remember  thee  as  thou  hast  remembered  me  in 
my  sad  strait.  Farewell." 

In  a  few  moments  Barbara  and  Constance  were 
again  in  Lisbet's  parlor.  The  lively  chat  oppressed 
her ;  she  could  not  put  away  from  her  thoughts  the 
gloomy  room  and  its  sorrowful  occupant  she  had  just 
left.  Hans  noted  her  abstraction,  and  the  happy 
thought  occurred  to  him  to  bring  out  some  of  his 
manuscript  legends,  since  they  owed  their  existence 
to  her  long-ago  suggestions.  He  drew  a  chair  out 
upon  the  platform  before  the  door,  where  it  was  cool 
and  quiet,  and,  giving  her  the  papers,  said, 

"I  would  like  you  to  read  them  ;  some  sympathy 
would  comfort  me.  Lisbet  is  a  good  wife,  but  she 
lias  no  time  to  listen  to  ballads  or  legends,  and  is  too 
light  of  soul  to  comprehend  my  yearnings.  But  I 
would  not  have  her  anything  else  than  she  is — my 

humming-bird." 

'  n 


242  CONSTANCE   AYLHEK. 

Constance  took  the  papers  with  real  pleasure, 
read  some  of  them,  and  talked  enthusiastically  with 
Hans  of  his  plans  till  Lisbet  called  them  to  tea.  Hans 
was  a  happy  and  proud  host  that  night,  and  could 
not  refrain  from  laying  nets  for  the  praises  of  his 
wife's  matchless  viands.  And  praises  were  not  stinted, 
for  even  Dame  Zwaller  felt  amiable.  Dame  Roose 
velt  grew  unwontedly  loquacious,  and  told  what  was 
uppermost  in  her  heart.  Elsie  was  coming  home  in 
a  fortnight.  Constance  felt  the  deepening  flush  upon 
her  cheeks,  and  tried  to  hide  her  agitation  in  some 
ordinary  comments  to  Baltazzar.  But  her  thoughts 
were  busy  with  surmises  if  Edward  Mordatmt  was 
coming  also.  If  she  could  escape  to  England  before 
their  arrival,  she  would  be  content.  How  could  she 
meet  Edward  with  composure  ?  No,  never  this  side 
of  the  grave ! 

After  tea,  when  standing  near  Dame  Roosevelt, 
she  tried  to  summon  courage  to  ask  if  Mordaunt  was 
expected  with  Elsie ;  but  her  heart  throbbed  at  the 
effort,  her  pride  rebelled,  and  she  turned  away.  The 
opportunity  was  gone  now,  for  they  were  all  saying 
good-night  to  Lisbet.  She  said  good-night  also,  and 
walked  home  with  the  Zwallers,  carrying  the  dread 
with  her.  The  sun  had  set;  laborers  had  finished 
their  work,  and  the  sound  of  clamorous  voices,  whips, 
wheels,  tramping  feet,  and  the  echo  of  the  hammer, 
the  axe,  and  the  noisy  rat-tat  of  the  drum  in  the 
fort,  had  all  ceased.  The  Herrs  sat  on  the  "  stoeps," 
smoking  and  meditating.  Gabriel  Carpsey,  the  herds 
man,  had  just  come  in  at  the  "land-gate"  at  the  end 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  243 

of  the  street,  with  his  long  line  of  sleek  cows,  odorous 
of  fresh  grass  and  new  milk.  Gabriel  blew  his  horn 
now  and  then,  as  he  trolled  along  the  street ;  and  the 
dairy-maids  came  out  to  welcome  the  ( returning  bossy, 
each  one  at  its  home-gate. 

"I  like  the  sound  of  Gabriel's  horn,"  said  Con 
stance.  "  It  wakes  me  early,  and  pleasantly." 

"  Pleasanter  than  to  be.  waked  by  a  hooting  owl, 
as  yon  were  the  first  morning  in  New  Amsterdam," 
laughed  Dame  Z waller. 

"Yon  will  hear  enough  of  that  music  at  tin; 
bowery  to-morrow,"  said  the  Burgomaster.  "  Ono 
herdsman  can  no  longer  gather  Baltazzar's  flocks  and 
herds.  He  reminds  me  of  Jacob.  His  tenderness  to 
Nicholas  alone  hinders  his  riches." 

"  Do  not  the  misfortunes  of  Nicholas  merit  his 
tenderness  ? "  asked  Constance. 

"Nicholas'  misfortunes  are  of  his  own  seeking. 
If  he  spends  his  time  at  races  and  cock-fights,  or  in 
smoking  and  sipping  Metje  "Wessell's  beer,  he  cannot 
long  carry  a  full  purse.  An  idle  mill  will  not  coin 
guilders." 

"But  the  windmill  is  blown  down.  He  cannot 
receive  blame,"  said  Constance. 

"He  should  have  had  watchful  eyes,  and  given  it 
a  stitch  in  time.  Neither  will  it  mend  itself  now. 
Baltazzar  must  come  to  the  rescue." 

"  Ah,  well,  Baltazzar  is  a  noble,  helpful,  patient 
brother.  He  will  win  Nicholas  yet.  I  know  Bar 
bara  would  choose  him  to  lose  rather  his  guilders 
than  his  goodness." 


244  COMSTAXCE   AYLMER. 

The  next  day  Constance  made  a  farewell  visit  to 
the  bowery,  saw  the  famous  lions  at  the  gate,  grati 
fied  Baltazzar  with  inspecting  his  fields  and  herds, 
permitted  Barbara  to  row  the  boat  for  her  iip  and 
down  the  river,  and  returned  at  sunset  to  the  Zwal- 
ler's.  Early  the  next  morning,  she  went  to  see  good 
Mistress  Primley,  who  lamented  that  she  could  not 
chaperone  her  across  the  sea  again,  and  gave  her 
many  charges  for  her  safety  during  the  voyage.  Lis- 
bet  and  Hans  aud  Dame  Zwaller  went  with  her  to 
the  ferry.  Dame  Zwaller  whispered,  that  when  the 
"  Hope  "  was  ready  to  sail,  she  would  send  on  board 
a  box  of  delicacies,  that  she  might  not  suffer  from  the 
coarse  fare  of  the  ship  toward  the  end  of  the  long 
voyage.  Thus,  with  good  wishes  and  tender  em 
braces,  they  parted. 

Two  weeks  afterward,  the  captain  of  the  "  Hope  " 
sent  a  speedy  message  to  Gravesend  that  he  was  in 
readiness,  and  wished  to  take  advantage  of  wind  and 
tide,  as  soon  as  Sir  Henry  and  Constance  arrived. 
This  hastened  the  dreaded  parting  with  Lady  Moody. 
At  almost  the  last  moment,  it  was  determined  that 
Hose  should  go  with  Constance.  She  would  have 
gone  to  the  ends  of  the  earth  with  her  young  mistress, 
for  \vhat  did  she  not  owe  to  her  gentle  goodness  ? 
She  quickly  gathered  her  little  store  of  needs,  filled 
with  joy  at  the  strange  event,  yet  trembling  with  fear 
at  venturing  upon  the  vast  sea. 

It  was  no  light  thing  for  Constance  and  her  aunt 
to  part,  even  for  a  twelvemonth,  when  the  Atlantic 
was  to  roll  between  them.  It  was  as  the  Reparation 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  245 

of  mother  and  daughter,  so  confiding  had  been  the 
love  of  one,  so  tender  had  been  the  guidance  of  the 
other.  And  Lady  Moody  looked  wistfully  upon  the 
sweet  face,  as  she  remembered  it  might  light  her 
dwelling  no  more,  or  that  contact  with  the  London 
world  might  change  her  artless  uprightness.  She 
prayed  in  her  soul  that  God  would  keep  this  daughter 
from  the  falseness  of  life.  She  could  not  trust  her 
voice  to  utter  the  words  she  would  say  .in  these  last 
moments,  and  perhaps  they  were  not  needed.  She 
only  clasped  Constance  in  her  arms,  and  they  parted 
with  silent  tears. 

Old  Caesar,  .Pete,  Mingo,  and  Chloe,  conspicuous 
for  her.  grief,  were  at  the  gate  to  say  last  words,  and 
give  God  speed  to  the  voyagers.  Sir  Henry  laughing 
ly  bade  them  good-bye,  and  hurried  Constance  and 
Hose  away.  The  quiet  village  was  soon  left  behind, 
the  bridge  and  the  great  white  oak  were  passed,  not 
without  regrets,  for  they  were  associated  with  the 
saddest  days  of  Constance's  life.  As  she  lost  sight  of 
one  familiar  object  after  another,  she  could  not  but 
think  of  the  time  when  she  first  beheld  them,  and 
feel  how  different  was  the  girl  of  to-day  from  the  girl 
of  two  years  ago.  The  spray  of  life  wreathed  her 
playfully  then ;  now  its  surges  had  rolled  over  her. 
She  had  emerged  from  the  double  baptism  of  an 
earthly  and  a  heavenly  love,  purified  from  selfishness 
— not  wholly  perhaps,  for  long  and  sorrowful  dis 
cipline,  even  to  the  end  of  life,  can  hardly  perfect 
such  a  work  in  any  soul — yet  she  had  learned  what 
it  was  not  to  live  to  herself.  She  had  come  hither  a 


246  CONSTA7SCK    AYLMER. 

passive,  emotionless  being,  gathering  the  honey  of 
life,  and  looking  amazed  at  grief-stricken  souls.  Now 
she  understood  them,  she  had  tears  of  pity  for  them, 
and  yearned  to  see  such  cast  themselves  on  Christ  for 
solace.  This  rich  sympathy  was  worth  attaining, 
even  through  much  suffering.  She  had  learned,  too, 
to  trust  her  Father  like  a  little  child.  She  could 
place  her  hand  in  His,  and  say,  "  Lead  me,"  gratefully 
kissing  the  rod  that  had  brought  her  to  Him. 

Thinking  these  thoughts,  Constance  rode  quietly 
beside  Sir  Henry,  with  Rose  and  Mingo  following. 
Lightfoot  would  not  carry  her  again,  perhaps,  and 
she  stroked  his  mane,  patted  his  neck,  and  talked  as 
if  the  creature  answered  her.  Arrived  at  Breuklyn, 
she  dismounted,  threw  her  arms  over  him,  kissed  the 
glossy  neck  of  the  dumb  beast  that  had  always  borne 
her  so  gracefully  and  so  well,  and  commended  him  to 
Mingo's  gentlest  care.  Mingo  wiped  his  eyes  with 
his  sleeves,  and  felt  like  kissing  the  ground  whereon 
Constance  stood,  but  he  did  better  in  kissing  her  hand 
with  a  profound  obeisance,  when  she  held  it  out  to 
say  good-bye.  Cornelius  Dirkseu  ferried  the  voyagers 
to  the  ship.  In  another  hour  the  "  Hope "  sailed 
away,  but  not  before  they  had  a  last  glimpse  of  friends 
gathered  at  the  landing  in  New  Amsterdam.  There 
was  Dame  Zwaller,  the  sincere  and  shrewd  adviser, 
Barbara  with  her  good  heart,  Mistress  Primley, 
motherly  and  anxious  to  the  last,  bright  and  gossipy 
Lisbet,  and  poor  wayward,  jaunty  Nicholas,  straining 
their  eyes  to  see  Constance  leaning  over  the  bulwarks. 
They  all  disappeared  from  her  sight  in  the  misty  dis- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  247 

tance ;  and  soon  with  them  the  rows  of  houses,  the 
Fort,  the  church  tower,  and  last  of  all,  the  whirling 
wind-mills  faded  to  a  dark  line,  and  sunk  away  to 
be  seen  only  in  her  pleasant  pictured  memories  of 
New  Amsterdam. 


248  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 


XXI. 

THE  voyage  was  unusually  long  and  wearisome. 
Constance  felt  it  Lad  a  happy  ending  when  she 
stepped  once  more  on  firm  earth,  and  forgot  her  fa 
tigue  in  the  strangeness  and  bustle  of  the  port  of 
Gravesend,  England.  She  waited  at  the  "  Queen's 
Arms  "  with  Rose,  while  Sir  Henry  went  for  a  coach 
to  convey  them  to  London.  Standing  at  the  window 
and  looking  at  the  gray  clouds  overhead,  or  away  at 
the  wharf  where  the  "  Hope  "  was  gently  rocking,  she 
did  not  notice  two  gay  gallants  who,  just  come  down 
from  London,  were  pacing  the  street  beneath  the 
window,  till  the  words  of  one  of  them  fell  distinctly 
on  her  ear. 

"By  my  troth,"  he  exclaimed,  "if  Vandyke  or 
Sir  Peter  Lely  can  find  a  sweeter  face  than  that  in 
all  London  to  paint,  I  should  like  to  behold  it ! " 

Glancing  at  the  speaker,  she  saw  that  both  he  and 
his  companion  were  gazing  boldly  at  herself.  She 
instinctively  drew  back  from  the  window,  mortified 
and  vexed. 

"Do  they  count  me  a  rustic?  Am  I  so  ancient 
in  dress,  after  my  long  banishment,  as  not  to  seem  a 
gentlewoman  ?  But  I  ought  not  to  stand  dreaming 
at  the  window,  as  if  I  were  in  the  simple  Manhattan. 
I  will  not  put  myself  in  fault  again." 

The  two  voices,  noisily  discussing  the  beauty  of 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  249 

one  Lady  Cecil,  still  came  in  at  the  ope:i  window, 
and  filled  Constance  with  a  vague  fear.  She  rejoiced 
when  Sir  Henry  came  at  last  to  assist  her  to  the  coach. 
The  uncivil  cavaliers  stood  gazing  as  she  passed,  and 
amused  themselves  with  each  other's  wit  at  sight  of 
Rose's  black  face.  Sir  Henry  was  too  occupied  to 
perceive  them,  and  Constance  kept  silence,  for  she 
well  knew  his  hot  temper  and  the  disturbance  it  would 
create.  She  quietly  hid  herself  in  shadow  till  the 
coach  started  for  London. 

Lord  Grey's  fine  house  was  in  the  Strand,  the 
then  fashionable  quarter  of  the  nobility.  It  stood  in 
the  midst  of  spacious  well-shaded  grounds  overlooking 
the  river.  Its  solid  look  without  was  relieved  by 
turrets  and  high-arched  windows.  "Within,  the  cold 
aspect  of  the  broad  stone  staircase  heightened  the 
magnificence  of  the  rooms  to  which  it  led,  and  added 
softness  and  warmth  to  the  rich  carpets  and  hangings. 

Lady  Grey  and  her  daughter  were  here,  having 
lately  returned  from  Bath.  The  mother  was  endowed 
with  beauty,  which  she  preserved  with  an  assiduous 
care  worthy  of  a  better  object.  She  was  a  thorough 
woman  of  the  world,  a  spiteful  royalist,  and  devoted 
to  bishop's  robes,  rituals,  pictures,  painted  windows, 
and  other  religious  ornaments  which  the  Puritans  had 
sternly  torn  away.  In  this  she  was  at  war  with  her 
husband,  an  Independent,  a  member  of  Parliament,  a 
close  quiet  watcher  of  Cromwell's  acts,  devoted  to  the 
reforms  he  would  inaugurate,  but  distrustful  and 
timid  as  to  the  means.  The  daughter,  Lady  Alice, 
inherited  more  of  her  mother's  aristocratic  spirit  and 
11* 


250  CONSTANCE    AYLMER. 

love  of  gayety  than  of  lier  beauty,  though  her  face 
was  by  no  means  plain.  For  various  reasons,  she  had 
speculated  much  on  the  coming  of  Constance,  and  had 
asked  endless  questions  concerning  her,  which  Lady 
Grey  could  hardly  answer,  not  having  seen  her  since 
her  childhood.  She  could  only  assure  her  daughter 
that  the  Aylmer  stock  was  noble,  that  the  mother  was 
an  incomparable  woman,  and  the  father  a  true  knight 
with  but  one  fault — he  was  a  Puritan.  "Whether 
Constance  was  a  Puritan  or  a  Papist,  grave  or  gay, 
awkward  or  graceful,  and,  above  all,  if  she  would 
prove  a  rival  in  fairness,  were  questions  that  occupied 
her  till  the  day  of  the  arrival. 

When  Constance  came,  criticism  was  disarmed. 
Her  unaffected  grace  and  the  purity  of  her  accent 
took  Lady  Alice  by  surprise,  and  inspired  her  with  a 
sudden  affection  which  was  certain  to  cool  when 
closer  acquaintance  would  discover  how  widely  their 
notions  of  life  differed.  She  devoted  herself  to  her 
for  several  days  after  her  coming,  with  great  conde 
scension,  planning  all  manner  of  available  amusements, 
lamenting  with  her  mother  over  the  graveness  of 
society  under  the  Protector's  rule,  laughing  at  the 
cleverness  with  which  they  and  others  managed  to 
evade  some  of  the  prohibitions,  and  promising  Con 
stance  that  she  should  accompany  them  to  the  play 
house,  in  spite  of  grim  Puritans. 

"  But  you  will  not  see  the  beautiful  cathedrals  as 
they  were  once,"  said  Lady  Alice.  "  St.  Paul's  is  rob 
bed  of  its  altar  and  pictures  and  lovely  image  of  the 
Yirgin.  The  golden  candlesticks,  crucifixes  and  plate 


CONSTANCE    ATLMEK.  251 

\vere  sold  for  the  service  of  the  war,  and  the  pretty 
pictures  painted  on  the  windows  were  broken  out  or 
defaced.  Was  it  not  wicked  of  those  solemn  saints  to 
spoil  everything  ?  To  demolish  the  organ  too !  " 

"  Was  there  not  some  good  reason  ? "  suggested 
Constance,  secretly  wounded  by  every  thrust  intended 
for  the  Protector. 

"  Oh,  they  feared  we  would  turn  naughty  Pa 
pists." 

"  And  does  the  Protector  forbid  music  ? "  asked 
Constance  surprised. 

"  He  will  not  have  it  in  the  cathedrals,  but  he  has 
enough  at  the  cock-pit  for  the  entertainment  of  his 
friends." 

"  What  is  the  cock-pit  '?"  asked  Constance.  Lady 
Alice  laughed  gently  at  the  novice,  and  answered, 

"  A  princely  residence,  once  voted  to  the  use  of 
His  Highness  by  Parliament.  It  is  only  called  the 
cock -pit  because  it  was  King  Henry  Eighth's  place  of 
cock  fighting." 

"And  does  the  Protector  dwell  there  now  ?  " 

"!N"o,  he  has  right  royal  lodgings  in  Whitehall 
Palace,  that  which  was  once  Cardinal  Woolsey's  house. 
You  shall  see  it  soon.  We  will  drive  thither  when 
mamma  calls  the  coach.  I  forget  that  you  have  not 
yet  seen  all  London.  How  droll  that  you  never  came 
to  London  when  you  lived  at  Atherton  Hall !  But  if 
you  had  once  tasted  London,  you  could  never  have 
endured  two  years  among  those  Dutch  fantastics,  the 
other  side  of  the  sea." 

"  I  love  them  very  much,"  said  Constance,  color- 


252  COXST^NCE   ATLMEE. 

ing  slightly.  "  They  were  exceeding  gentle  to  me, 
and  lacked  no  kindnesses  to  each,  other." 

"  And  did  you  never  fear  that  old  sea-king,  Petrus, 
who  I  have  heard  whips  his  burghers  with  his  woo'den 
leg  when  they  do  not  please  him  ?  That  is  faintly 
like  our  lion,  Oliver,  who  growls  the  members  out  of 
the  Parliament  House  when  they  refuse  to  do  his 
bidding,"  scornfully  laughed  Lady  Alice. 

"  Governor  Stuyvesant  does  nothing  in  that 
fashion,"  returned  Constance,  soberly.  "  You  have 
heard  only  slanders  to  which  his  iiery  temper  gives 
some  countenance." 

"  But  truly,  niy  cousin,  was  it  not  wearisome  to 
dwell  among  those  people  with  no  cavaliers  of  gentle 
blood  to  attend  you  ? " 

"  I  was  not  ennuied  in  that  wonderful  New  World. 
There  are  always  some  cavaliers  seeking  to  repair  fall 
en  fortunes,  whose  learning  does  not  come  amiss." 

"Had  you  no  lovers  there?  " 

"  I  have  none,"  replied  Constance,  with  downcast 
eyes. 

"  My  mother  must  make  for  you  a  distinguished 
match,"  said  Lady  Alice. 

"  I  do  not  wish  to  be  betrothed  to  any,"  was  Con- 
tance's  reply. 

"  You  would  rather  live  in  Lady  Moody's  nun 
nery  ? "  asked  Lady  Alice,  in  amazement. 

"  Yes;  it  is  heavenly  there." 

u  And  miss  all  the  happiness  of  being  a  belle,  and 
carrying  oif  the  prize  of  the  season — always  through 
my  mother's  help?  "  laughed  Lady  Alice.  "  My  set- 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  253 

tlement  is  just  completed,  though  it  has  gone 
hard  enough  between  my  father  and  Lord  D'Arcy's 
father  about  the  bestowment  of  certain  lands  upon 
him.  You  should  see  mj  Lord  D'Arey  !  He  is  of 
proud  descent.  He  is  handsome  as  the  handsomest 
picture  in  his  father's  gallery  of  family  portraits. 
And  he  dresses — not  like  those  hateful  Roundheads, 
but  like  a  true  courtier.  Our  betrothment  is  to  be  this 
day  fortnight;  the  wedding  not  before  next  season. 
You  shall  see  him.  He  dines  with  us  to-morrow." 

As  Lady  Alice  ran  on  in  her  shallow  way,  Con 
stance  began  to  comprehend  how  little  sympathy 
could  ever  exist  between  them.  She  held  her  life  ex 
periences  in  sacred  silence,  but  Lady  Alice  was  wont 
to  pour  them  all  out  like  a  babbling  brook.  To  her, 
love  was  a  holy,  deep  emotion,  not  to  be  measured  by 
words ;  to  Lady  Alice,  it  was  an  amusing  phase  of 
vanity,  to  end  presently  in  a  very  convenient,  desira 
ble,  and  ambitious  marriage.  The  greatest  interest  of 
the  approaching  betrothal  was  the  elegant  and  becom 
ing  toilet  to  be  provided,  and  the  vexation  that  Lady 
So-and-so  would  feel  at  her  failure  in  securing  Lord 
D'Arey  for  either  of  her  daughters. 

"  "Why  do  you  look  at  me  with  such  wonderment 
in  your  eyes  \  "  asked  Lady  Alice,  smiling,  and  ab 
ruptly  ending  her  chat  about  her  lover. 

"  You  take  life  like  a  singing-bird.  It  seems  to 
hold  little  for  you  that  is  serious." 

"  Happy  that  for  me ! "  was  the  reply.  "  You 
would  not  have  me  look  solemn  as  an  owl,  and  repeat 
psalms  apt  to  the  occasion,  would  you  ?  " 


254  CONSTANCE    AYLMEE. 

li  No  ;  not  that,"  returned  Constance. 

"Here  comes  Sir  Henry,"  exclaimed  Lady  Alice. 
"  His  merry  countenance  will  not  condemn  me.  And 
there  is  my  father  arrived  from  Oxford.  He  will 
dine  with  us  to-day  in  honor  of  your  coming.  And 
you  must  esteem  it  an  honor,  for  his  time  is  much 
consumed  at  the  Coffee  House."  Lady  Alice  went 
languidly  to  meet  her  father. 

"  Let  me  lead  you  to  my  cousin,"  said  she,  in  a 
low  tone.  "  She  is  fresh  from  a  nunnery,  and  so  naivo 
and  charming  that  I  am  captivated.  She  is  such  a 
sweet  novelty !  " 

Lord  Grey  advanced  toward  Constance,  and  greet 
ed  her  cordially. 

"I  honored  your  father,"  said  he,  "and  for  his 
sake,  as  well  as  your  own,  I  am  glad  to  welcome  you. 
Choose  this  for  a  home,  if  you  will.  It  would  add 
greatly  to  our  happiness,  especially  as  we  are  to  lose 
our  daughter."  After  some  courteous  inquiries  about 
Lady  Moody,  the  voyage,  and  other  matters,  he  re 
sumed  his  conversation  with  Sir  Henry  upon  the  polit 
ical  state  of  England.  Constance  observed  him,  while 
listening.  He  was  a  slender,  plain-featured  man,  hav 
ing  an  air  of  abstraction,  as  if  meditating  continually 
on  painful  and  difficult  subjects.  That  lie  should 
avoid  the  discussion  of  these  with  his  wife,  or  that  he 
should  spend  his  time  discussing  politics  at  the  Coffeo 
House,  was  not  marvellous  to  Constance  when  she  lis 
tened  to  his  sentiments,  given  in  a  low  voice,  but  with 
intense  feeling.  The  very  atmosphere  of  his  presence 
totally  different  from  his  home,  and  she  felt 


CONSTANCE    AYL3IEE.  255 

drawn  to  him  with  a  daughterly  interest  which  was 
manifest  in  her  looks,  and  the  close  and  quiet  atten 
tion  given  to  his  words.  Lord  Grey  was  not  unobserv- 
ing.  Lady  Alice  rallied  Constance  on  her  attention 
to  politics. 

"  I  wish  to  know  of  this  expedition  to  Jamaica. 
It  may  bode  something  to  the  Manhattan,"  replied 
Constance.  "  Perhaps  this  is  the  'help  '  George  Bax 
ter  expected  at  Long  Island."  Lord  Grey  questioned 
about  it,  hummed  his  approbation,  but  shook  his  head 
and  said  nothing.  Constance  suffered  herself  to  be 
drawn  away  by  Lady  Alice's  importunities,  and  Crom 
well  and  England  were  forgotten  for  a  time,  in  the 
discussion  of  purchases  for  the  approaching  betrothal. 
In  an  interval  of  silence,  the  voices  of  the  gentlemen 
in  the  next  room  fell  distinctly  upon  the  ear,  though 
words  could  not  be  distinguished.  A  third  person 
had  joined  them. 

"  Who  is  now  talking  with  Lord  Grey  ?  "  asked 
Constance.  "  Do  you  know  the  voice  ?  " 

"  No.  What  of  the  voice  ?  "  replied  Lady  Alice. 
Constance  hesitated,  and  then  said,  with  a  bright  look 
of  pleasure, 

"  It  is  a  manly  voice,  tender  and  refined.  The 
owner  must  be  a  prince  by  descent  or  by  nature." 

"  Alas ! "  replied  Lady  Alice,  "  we  have  none  of 
royal  state  with  us  now  ;  only  haberdashers  and  men 
of  coarse  stuff.  The  voice  has  nothing  in  it  to  me." 
But  she  summoned  a  servant,  and  inquired  who  had 
been  admitted. 

"Lord  Huntington,  my  lady,"  said  Maurice,  retir- 


256  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

ing.  "  I  ought  to  have  recognized  one  so  familiar  to 
my  father.  He  is  of  honorable  estate,  and  a  member  of 
Parliament.  This  spoils  him  for  me.  It  bespeaks 
him  a  lover  of  the  Protector.  He  is  a  widower,  young 
and  distinguished,  but  not  a  marrying  man,  as  many 
a  fine  dowager  knows.  His  wife  died  in  the  first  year 
of  the  Commonwealth,  and  since,  he  lives  in  his  lordly 
forsaken  house  like  an  Oxford  student,  when  not  sit 
ting  in  council.  The  most  bewitching  court  beauty 
cannot  draw  him  out  of  his  seclusion." 

Constance  amused  herself  in  picturing  him  while 
still  listening  to  his  fine  round  tones,  in  contrast  with 
Sir  Henry's  brusque  enunciation,  and  Lord  Grey's 
faint  voice. 

"He  must  be  broad-minded  and  broad-chested  and 
tall.  Neither  could  such  a  voice  accompany  narrow 
and  mean  features.  Since  he  is  a  Cromwellian,  his 
hair  is  not  curled  like  a  woman's,  nor  his  dress  in  the 
gay  fashion  of  the  cavaliers.  He  is  doubtless  worthy 
to  sit  in  Cromwell's  Parliament."  But  these  quiet 
speculations  were  presently  dismissed,  and,  with  the 
going  out  of  the  voice,  Lord  Huntington  went  out  of 
her  thoughts. 

The  next  day,  as  promised,  Lord  D'Arcy  was 
announced.  Constance  was  dazzled  by  his  costume 
before  she  saw  his  face.  A  velvet  doublet,  Flanders 
boots,  and  a  sword-belt,  worn  sash-wise  over  his 
shoulders,  from  which  hung  a  Spanish  rapier,  gave 
him  a  gallant  air.  The  rapier  and  steel  corslet  were 
needful  to  balance  the  feminine  effect  of  the  lace  tie 
and  ruffles,  and  the  mass  of  hair  falling  upon  his 


COXSTANCB   AYLMER.  257 

shoulders.  His  features  were  classically  handsome ; 
lengthened  somewhat  in  look  by  the  pointed  beard. 
The  moment  Constance  glanced  at  his  face,  she  re 
membered  to  have  seen  it  before;  and  when  Lord 
D'Arcy  was  presented  to  her,  he  also  recognized  her 
with  confusion,  as  the  young  girl  he  had  saluted  at  the 
Queen's  Arms  the  week  before.  Constance  did  not 
betray  by  word  or  look  that  she  had  ever  seen  him, 
except  by  a  cold  reserve  which  passed  unobserved  by 
others  than  himself.  He  quickly  recovered  his  non 
chalance,  and  enlivened  the  whole  party  by  his  flow 
ing  conversation  on  society,  art,  literature,  fashion, 
and  the  latest  reports  of  the  exiled  Court,  freely  inter 
spersing  ridicule  of  the  family  at  Whitehall. 

u  And  now,"  said  he,  "  I  have  a  rare  entertainment 
for  your  pleasure  to-night.  We  have  secured  the 
play-house  for  two  representations  of  a  French 
play,  which  is  to  be  so  artfully  supported  by  music 
that  it  shall  be  noised  abroad  as  only  a  private 
concert." 

"  And  if  you  are  discovered  in  it  2 "  questioned 
Lady  Alice. 

"  The  house  will  be  closed,  and  we  shall  be  fined. 
The  fines  we  need  not  grudge,  for  Parliament  is  in 
woful  need  of  money,  and  may  better  take  it  out 
of  our  merry  entertainments  than  out  of  the  estates 
of  delinquents — poor  royalist  squires  who  have  never 
yet  compounded.  You  can  go  masked,  as  some  other 
of  the  royalist  ladies  have  in  mind  to  do." 

"  My  cousin,"  said  Lady  Alice,  "  you  will  sec  a 
stage-play  sooner  than  we  thought." 


258  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

"But  to  go  masked,"  said  Constance,  timidly, 
"  will  not  be  honorable." 

"How  droll!"  laughed  Lady  Alice,  turning  to 
Lord  D'Arcy.  "  She  is  so  naive !  She  objects  going 
to  the  play  en  masque  !  " 

"  I  fear,  if  she  appears  without  a  mask,  too  many 
eyes  will  be  withdrawn  from  the  actors  for  their  good 
encouragement,"  replied  Lord  D'Arcy. 

"  If  I  go  with  you,"  said  Sir  Henry,  "  you  need 
have  little  scruple."  And  thus  it  was  settled  for  Con 
stance.  Lady  Grey  had  now  some  suggestions  to 
make. 

"You  must  not  provide  your  coachman  with  a 
torch,"  said  she,  "  else  our  rank-  will  be  proclaimed." 

"]STo ;  we  will  display  a  lantern,  if  you  are  willinjr 
to  appear  in  that  plebeian  fashion.  Thus  we  shall  pass 
for  a  merchant's  family,"  replied  Lord  D'Arcy. 

In  this  state  they  set  out  some  hours  later,  the 
ladies  disguised  in  black  velvet  masks  with  glass  eyes, 
held  to  the  face  with  a  string  and  bead  in  the  mouth. 
Uncomfortable  enough,  Constance  thought,  but  not 
half  as  uncomfortable  as  were  her  self-questionings  of 
the  right  and  wrong  of  the  whole  proceedings.  She 
sat  quiet  and  observing  in  the  play-house.  The  stage 
was  strewed  with  rushes,  and  the  walls  richly  hung. 
There  was  no  stage-scenery  in  that  day,  and  the  only 
concealment  afforded  was  by  curtains,  movable  on 
an  iron  rod.  In  the  background  was  an  upper  stage, 
or  curtained  balcony,  from  which  parts  of  the  play 
were  given.  Constance  listened  attentively  to  the 
very  sweet  music,  and  much  of  the  dialogue.  Seeing 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  259 

her  so  occupied,  Lord  D'Arcy  came  triumphantly  to 
hear  her  praises  of  the  entertainment.  But  first  he 
had  an  apology  to  offer. 

"  I  would  humbly  crave  your  pardon,  my  sweet 
cousin,  for  my  rude  liberty  at  the  Queen's  Arms. 
Seeing  you  unattended,  I  did  not  presume  you  to  be 
a  gentlewoman  ;  which  is  the  poor  excuse  I  have  to 
offer." 

"  It  is  well  always  to  carry  the  manners  of  a  true 
nobleman,"  said  Constance.  "If  I  had  been  none 
other  than  a  peasant  girl,  I  should  have  been  equally 
affrighted.  A  true  knight  should  shelter  loneliness." 

"  Bravely  said !  You  are  plain  of  speech,"  returned 
Lord  D'Arcy,  "but  do  you  deny  me  grace  for  my 
fault?" 

"I  gladly  grant  a  pardon  which  you  are  generous 
enough  to  seek." 

"  Thank  you.  And  now,  how  well  does  the  play 
touch  your  fancy  ?  " 

"  1  am  dazzled.     Yet  the  play  speaks  falsely." 

"  How  now  !  Those  characters  are  to  the  life,  if 
you  will  permit  me  to  differ." 

"  They  make  a  jest  of  all  that  is  honest  and  sacred. 
I  wonder  no  more  that  the  Protector  forbids  the  plays." 

"  You  are  a  Puritan." 

"Not  knowingly.  But  I  remember  my  father 
burned  the  writings  of  Shakspeare,  and  forbid  my 
brother  to  go  to  the  plays  at  Whitefriars  when  he 
came  to  London.  Doubtless  I  inherit  his  prejudices.*' 

"I  blame  none  for  burning  Shakspeare's  writings, 
replied  Lord  D'Arcy.  "  He  was  a  dull  fellow — too 


260  COXSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

heavy  for  my  liking.  But  this  play,  modelled  equally 
after  the  Italian  and  French  drama,  pleases  nie  well." 

"  I  cannot  choose,  knowing  nothing  of  either," 
said  Constance.  The  curtains  being  now  drawn  for. a 
new  act,  Lord  D'Arcy  resumed  his  place  at  Lady 
Alice's  side.  As  the  play  proceeded,  Constance  lis 
tened  with  greater  aversion,  and  at  last  with  indigna 
tion,  even  to  tears. 

"  Let  us  go  hence,"  whispered  she  to  Lady  Grey. 

"  What !  in  tears  ?  "  was  the  reply.  '"  Fie  !  Your 
delicacy  should  not  be  shocked  at  such  foolish  trifles. 
Alice  does  not  regard  it.  See  bow  merry  she  is  over 
the  actor's  buffoonery  !  We  should  draw  all  eyes  upon 
us  in  leaving.  Take  pleasure  in  the  music,  and  close 
your  ears  to  the  rest,  if  it  seems  ill  to  yon  There  is 
but  one  more  act." 

There  was  nothing  to  do  but  endure  quietly  to  the 
end.  Constance  rejoiced  to  escape  at  last.  But,  again 
at  home,  she  could  not  sleep,  even  in  the  stillness  of 
her  own  chamber.  The  music  bewildered  her  senses. 
Some  of  the  sweetest  airs  plaintively  repeated  them 
selves  in  her  imagination.  She  was  eager  for  the 
morning,  that  she  might  reproduce  them  upon  the 
organ.  How  could  Aunt  Deborah  condemn  such 
heavenly  music  apart  from  the  play.  But  the  play  ! 
The  curtains  swept  back,  and  the  actors  reappeared. 
How  vividly  the  words  came  back  ;  the  beautiful,  the 
false,  the  mean  and  low  vexing  her  spirit !  The 
strangeness  of  the  scene,  the  masked  ladies,  the  showy 
cavaliers,  the  sense  of  danger  and  disobedience  that 
had  agitated  her,  came  in  rapid  review  ;  and  last  of 


COXSTAKCE    AYLMER.  201 

all,  Lord  D'Arcy's  self-congratulations  that  the  Pro 
tector  and  the  Roundheads  had  enough  to  divert  them 
from  discovering  this  infringement  of  an  ordinance, 

CJ  O  / 

filled  her  with  self-reproach.  Was  not  Cromwell 
wearying  his  burdened  heart  with  efforts  to  raise 
England  to  purity,  to  greatness  and  godliness  ?  And 
were  not  his  efforts  mocked  to  night  ?  He  was  right 
to  condemn  the  amusement.  She  had  heard  with  her 
own  cars,  and  seen  with  her  own  eyes,  enough  to  know 
that  noble  men  and  women  could  not  grow  in  such 
an  atmosphere.  But  the  music  !  Did  the  Lord  Pro 
tector  forbid  that  ?  She  would  ask  to-morrow  ;  and 
she  began  softly  humming  the  sweet  airs,  and  so  fell 
asleep. 

In  the  morning,  when  Rose  came  to  assist  her,  she 
said, 

"  Rose,  you  may  stay  when  I  am  dressed,  and  we 
will  have  our  morning  devotions  together.  I  have  no 
Aunt  Deborah  here  to  give  me  counsel,  so  I  must  ask 
my  good  Father  in  heaven  to  lead  me  all  day." 

"I 'specs  you  need  him  here,  my  lady.'' 

"  And  you  also,  Rose." 

When  Constance,  late  in  the  morning,  found  her 
aunt  in  the  boudoir,  she  was  cheerfully  saluted. 

"  I  am  pleased  to  see  you  so  fully  recovered  from 
your  ill  mood  last  evening;  You  slept  well  ?  "  asked 
Lady  Grey. 

"  Sweetly,  when  once  asleep,  thank  you." 

"  That  is  well.  Sound  sleep  preserves  youth.  Let 
me  caution  you  not  to  ruffle  your  face  with  sad  tears, 
as  yesterday  evening.  Weeping  dims  the  eyes.  Let 


262  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

me  smooth  your  eyebrow,  my  dear.  You  should  be 
watchful  not  to  let  them  grow  astray.  They  are 
prettily  arched.  You  must  cultivate  your  beauty." 

"  Thank  yon  !•"  replied  Constance,  blushing  slight 
ly.  "  But  it  would  seem  to  me  odd  and  awkward  to 
have  a  care  of  my  eyebrows  and  wrinkles." 

"My  dear,  the  countenance  grows  awry  from  in 
attention,  often.  One  eyebrow  lifts  itself  beyond  the 
other,  or  the  mouth  sometimes  smiles  unequally,  with 
out  thought  bestowed  upon  it." 

"  I  fear  I  should  never  smile  if  I  put  my  thoughts 
upon  the  doing  of  it,"  said  Constance,  laughing,  and 
hiding  her  pretty  mouth  and  pearly  teeth  behind  her 
handkerchief,  as  if  to  shield  herself  from  criti 
cism. 

"'  Did  Lady  Moody  never  recommend  these  im 
portant  trifles  to  your  notice  ?" 

"  She  never  told  me  how  to  carry  my  face,  but  I 
have  often  heard  her  say,  '  Lord,  keep  the  door  of  my 
mouth,'  by  which  I  am  certain  she  thought  more  of 
the  matter  than  the  manner  of  her  utterance." 

"  Is  she  grown  old  and  withered  ? " 

"  I  thought  her  face  smooth  and  pure  and  gen 
tle." 

"  So  is  my  mother's,"  remarked  Lady  Alice. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Constance,  hesitating  ;  "  but — I 
think  it  was  her  soul  that  shone  through.  She  never 
wore  a  frown,  though  her  cares  were  sometimes  heavy." 

"  Doubtless  she  learned  to  command  her  counte 
nance  when  young,"  said  Lady  Grey. 

"It  seems   to   me  rather  the  controlling  of  her 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEB.  263 

heart.  She  used  to  say,  '  Out  of  the  heart  are  the  issues 
of  life ;'  and  I  believe  she  kept  it  so  well,  that  out  of 
that  came  the  heavenly  content  in  her  face." 

"Tour  love  is  very  dutiful  to  say  so  much,"  re 
turned  Lady  Grey.  "  Yet  I  can  teach  you  to  carry 
such  a  face,  be  your  soul  ever  so  stormy." 

"  You  need  to  begin  soon,  mamma,"  said  Lady 
Alice.  "  It  was  only  last  night  that  Lord  D'Arcy 
said  my  cousin's  face  was  a  telltale  of  all  that  goes  on 
underneath  it." 

"  What  am  I  to  do  with  my  face  ? "  asked  Con 
stance,  embarrassed.  "  1  would  rather  be  condemned 
to  put  it  under  a  mask,  as  last  night,  than  to  think  con 
tinually  how  it  ought  to  look." 

"  Society  does  not  like  to  witness  emotion,  except 
it  be  a  pretty  vivacity,"  said  Lady  Grey.  "You 
should  cultivate  perfect  repose  of  countenance  and 
manner.  A  little  undercurrent  of  thought  bestowed 
upon  this  need  not  interfere  with  one's  ease."  Con 
stance  drew  a  deep  sigh. 

"  I  thought  it  needful  to  forget  one's  self  in  order 
to  be  agreeable." 

"  To  forget  one's  own  comfort  for  others'  sake  is, 
doubtless,  the  essence  of  politeness.  But  it  is  another 
thing  to  sit  a  critic  on  your  own  countenance.  Such 
a  remembrance  of  yourself  is  harmless." 

"You  would  take  away  a  large  pleasure  from 
life,"  returned  Constance.  "  It  is  sweet  to  read  the 
countenance  of  a  friend.  But  where  would  be  the 
reading,  if  we  become  walking  statues  ?  I  love  rather 
the  soulful  faces  of  the  Manhattan,  than  the  ccmnte- 


204  COXSTANCE    AYLMEK. 

jellj,  bread-crumbs  into  puddings,  and  making  soup 
from  bare  bones,  was  marvellous.  Yet  she  was  a  re 
ligious,  not  a  miserly  economist.  She  was  conscien 
tious  in  her  stewardship,  rendering  exact  accounts  to 
her  employer,  and  what  she  saved  by  her  self-denials 
was  freely  bestowed  upon  the  comfort  of  others.  Her 
gifts  were  necessarily  small,  and  her  sphere  narrow. 
Their  very  smallness  gave  rigidity  to  her  thoughts  and 
ways.  The  incoming  of  a  new  mistress  like  Elsie  was 
a  shock  to  all  her  notions  and  habits,  and  no  wonder 
if  she  stood  dismayed  at  the  revolution  in  the  affairs 
of  the  honse  on  her  arrival. 

"  Take  away  the  joint-stools  from  the  chimney-cor 
ner,  and  fill  the  gaping  fireplace  with  holly  branches. 
It  looks  like  the  grave  of  departed  Yule-logs,"  said 
Elsie,  frowning,  when  she  had  surveyed  the  chief 
apartment.  "  I  will  have  silk  hangings  too,  and  not 
chintz." 

Mordaunt  was  besieged  for  the  alterations,  and 
yielded.  During  a  few  weeks,  every  room  was  in  a 
turmoil.  No  sooner  was  one  at  the  point  of  comple 
tion  than  Elsie  would  suggest  something  new,  pull 
down  all  she  had  done,  and  begin  over  again.  To  do 
this,  she  levied  all  the  forces  possible.  She  possessed 
the  peculiar  talent  of  impressing  everybody  who  came 
near,  into  her  service,  and  keeping  every  soul  of  them 
in  nervous  haste  with  their  task.  The  task  given  was 
not  often  rightly  appointed.  She  was  quite  sure  to 
cut  the  tapestry  too  short,  and  summon  her  helper  to 
take  it  down  and  lengthen  it,  or  order  a  dresser 
too  large  for  its  place,  and  refuse  to  accept  its  clumsi- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  205 

ness.  After  an  apartment  was  duly  settled,  she  was 
quite  likely  to  feel  its  narrowness,  and  conceive  the 
bright  idea  of  tearing  down  a  partition,  or  building  an 
"  addition."  But  it  could  not  take  forever  to  com 
plete  so  small  a  dwelling.  To  keep  it  in  order  when 
finished,  was  quite  another  affair.  For  this,  Elsie  had 
no  talent.  She  left  it  to  Experience,  and  turned  her 
energies  to  the  entire  remaking  of  the  garden.  And 
poor  Experience  strove  in-  vain  to  keep  the  chairs  in 
prim  rows,  sighed  to  see  Mordaunt's  costly  books  ly 
ing  upon  the  floor  precisely  where  Elsie  had  dropped 
them,  or  stood  amaze.d  to  see  her  dresses  tumbled  on 
the  chair,  and  her  pretty  boots  flung  across  the  room 
when  they  had  happened  to  pinch.  And  who  can 
imagine  Experience's  horror  at  seeing  Elsie's  spools 
of  thread  rolling  hither  and  thither  at  the  mercy  of  a 
playful  kitten,  or  wound  inextricably  with  tangled 
yarn,  when  she  had  stooped  her  lame  back  many  a 
time  to  save  a  bit  a  few  inches  long  ?  "What  could 
she  do  but  grumble,  and  look  after  this  spoiled  child  ? 

When  Elsie  had  exhausted  the  garden  and  the 
temper  of  the  gardener,  she  took  a  capricious  whim 
to  invade  Experience's  kingdom. 

"  Did  you  ever  taste  an  oly-koek?"  she  asked, 
one  day. 

"No." 

"  Then  I  will  make  some  this  minute  !  " 

"  Not  to-day,"  plead  Experience.  "  I  cannot 
serve  you  well  to-day." 

"But  I  feel  precisely  like  it,"  returned  Elsie.  It 
was  not  possible  to  turn  her  from  what  she  chose  to 


266  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

like  yourself,  but  she  blesses  all  around  her  in  quiet 
ness.  Her  works,  not  her  words,  speak  for  her." 

"Does  she  not  listen  to  the  teachings  of  the 
Spirit?" 

"  Truly  she  does,  but  not  in  your  fashion.  You 
oppose  yourself  to  the  laws,  and  use  your  faith  and 
strength  to  support  yourself  under  the  penalties. 
Why  not  rather  use  it  in  a  gracious,  lawful,  womanly 
way,  among  those  you  naturally  reach  in  your  daily 
life ;  and  your  daily  life  would  preach  to  witnesses 
better  than  your  lips  to  strangers." 

"Art  thou  an  angel  of  light,  or  an  angel  of  dark 
ness  ? "  asked  Mary,  tremulously. 

"  I  love  the  same  Jesus  whom  you  desire  so  much 
to  serve,"  said  Constance,  smiling.  "  I  can  give  you 
no  other  proof  of  what  manner  of  person  1  am,  except 
that  for  His  sake,  and  for  the  sake  of  her  who  is  as 
my  mother,  I  love  you  enough  to  lead  you  out  of 
persecution.  Come,  let  us  go." 

And  Mary  Collins  suffered  herself  to  be  led  away 
as  one  in  a  dream. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEB.  267 


XXII. 

were  looking  for  you,"  said  Lady  Alice, 
-when  Constance  returned.  "  My  mother  had  ordered 
the  coach  for  a  drive,  but  it  may  please  you  'better  to 
see  Hyde  Park  after  we  dine.  Parliament  sits  till  one 
of  the  clock,  and  later,  you  may  meet  some  of  the 
members  riding  or  walking  there  with  their  families 
for  recreation." 

Accordingly,  that  afternoon  Lord  Grey's  hand 
some  coach  was  rolling  toward  Hyde  Park,  with  a 
lively  stream  of  other  equipages  and  pedestrians. 
Some  spectators  who  had  assembled  near  the  gates, 
and  were  unable  to  pay  the  high  admission,  consoled 
themselves  with  gaping  at  those  who  entered,  or  tor 
mented  themselves  in  contrasting  their  own  hardships 
with  the  lolling  ease  of  those  who  rode  by,  and  their 
own  poor  garments  with  the  delicate  or  showy  lux 
uriance  of  the  mounted  cavaliers,  or  the  occupants  of 
the  cushioned  coaches  :  Levellers,  some  of  them  per 
haps,  whose  hopes  of  distributing  this  world's  goods 
equally  among  all  men,  had  been  extinguished  in  the- 
bud  by  a  prompt  quietus  from  Cromwell.  Lady  Grey 
scarcely  bestowed  a  glance  upon  these.  Passing  in, 
she  bade  the  coachman  drive  along  the  wide  avenue. 
He  had  not  driven  far,  when  forced  to  turn  aside  for 
the  coming  of  the  Lord  Protector,  at  the  head  of  his 
Life-Guards. 


268  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

"He  was  so  grand  and  bold  a  man  at  the  head  of 
his  army,  that  I  am  glad  to  behold  him  first  riding  in 
gallant  state  with  his  Ironsides,"  said  Constance, 
eagerly  listening  to  the  increasing  sound  of  hoofs,  and 
the  warlike  clatter  and  jingle  of  military  accoutre 
ments.  In  a  moment  the  Lord  Protector  was  in  sight, 
and,  in  the  intense  gaze  of  a  few  seconds,  Constance, 
saw  a  massive,  vigorous  military  figure,  with  stern, 
care-worn  face  dash  by,  and,  after  him,  his  eighty 
guards  in  grey. 

"What  think  you  of  his  escort  in  grim  grey?" 
asked  her  ladyship. 

"  So  plain  habit  is  in  keeping  with  his  principles, 
and  therefore  in  better  taste  than  scarlet  and  gold 
lace,"  answered  Constance.  "But  I  supposed  he 
appeared  in  public  without  state." 

"He  did  formerly.  The  many  plots  against  his 
life  have  persuaded  him  to  more  caution.  He  always 
rides  now  at  the  head  of  a  body  of  horse  or  in  a  state 
coach,  which  better  befits  the  ruler  of  England." 

"  Those  soldiers  love  to  attend  their  brave  General, 
do  they  not  ?  "  said  Constance,  her  face  still  glowing 
with  enthusiasm  for  her  hero. 

"  Doubtless  they  do,"  replied  her  aunt,  scornfully. 
"  Cromwell  knows  how  to  play  upon  the  hearts  of  his 
soldiers." 

"  Do  you  count  him  a  hypocrite  ? "  asked  Constance, 
amazed. 

"  Do  not  open  your  eyes  so  widely,  my  dear.  You 
need  to  carry  this  morning's  counsels  with  you.  No ; 
I  will  not  venture  to  brand  him  a  hypocrite,  as  some 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEK.  269 

do,  but  he  could  never  have  climbed  so  high  without 
skilful  use  of  Puritanism." 

"I  shall  appeal  from  you  to  Lord  Grey,"  said 
Constance,  half  playfully,  half  in  earnest. 

"  Or  to  Lord  Huntington,"  replied  her  aunt  with 
a  bland  smile  of  recognition,  as  the  person  named 
reined  in  his  horse  beside  the  yet  waiting  carriage. 

"  A  fair  day  this,  Lady  Grey,"  said  a  full,  manly 
voice.  Constance  instantly  recognized  it  as  that 
which  had  so  charmed  her  ear  a  day  or  two  before. 
She  looked  inquiringly  at  him,  and  was  not  disap 
pointed  to  see  a  broad-chested,  noble-faced  man,  habit 
ed  in  plain  grey  welted  with  black.  He  controlled 
the  restless  animal  upon  which  he  sat,  with  an  easy 
horsemanship  that  signified  a  tranquil  nature.  He 
lifted  his  plumed  hat  slightly  to  Lady  Alice,  and  bent 
his  earnest  eyes  upon  Constance,  as  he  was  told  that 
she  had  lately  arrived  from  the  American  settle 
ments. 

"  Is  it  possible  that  you  have  performed  that  weary 
voyage?  I  shall  wish  to  learn  somewhat  from  you  of 
New  Amsterdam." 

"  She  will  likewise  wish  to  learn  much  from  you 
of  the  Protector,  whose  cause  I  wonder  to  see  her 
espouse  so  determinedly.  She  but  just  threatened  to 
appeal  from  me  to  Lord  Grey.  You  will  be  a  better 
champion." 

"  I  should  value  the  office,  madam.  But  the  wise 
deeds  of  such  a  man  are  better  champions  than  the 
best  of  friends." 

"  His  deeds  need  a  friendly  interpreter,"  said  Con- 


270  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

stance.  Lord  Huntington  smiled  as  he  glanced  from 
her  to  her  aunt,  and,  after  promising  an  early  visit, 
bowed  and  left  them,  turning  with  an  earnest  look  at 
Constance,  as  he  rode  away. 

As  the  coach  now  rumbled  along,  Constance  was 
diverted  with  the  beauty  of  the  Park,  the  deep  shade 
of  the  trees,  the  silvery  sheet  of  water,  or  was  attract 
ed  by  the  lively  passers  or  the  approach  of  some 
distinguished  friend. 

"  There  is  the  Lady  Protectress  and  her  daughters," 
said  Lady  Alice,  in  time  for  Constance  to  perceive  in 
a  passing  coach,  a  dignified,  plain  woman,  and  two 
young  ladies  elegantly  dressed  in  a  style  not  Puri 
tanic  ;  the  one  a  solid  English  girl,  the  other  slight, 
with  firm  lips  and  animated  eyes. 

"  Mary  is  so  cautious  and  reserved  that  I  like  her 
less  than  Frances,"  said  Lady  Alice. 

u  "Which  was  Frances  ? "  asked  Constance. 

"  The  slighter  of  the  two.  She  has  a  pretty  will 
of  her  own  which  becomes  the  daughter  of  Cromwell," 
continued  Lady  Alice,  laughingly. 

"  It  becomes  no  daughter  to  outwit  her  parents," 
said  her  mother  quietly.  "  Mr.  Rich,  being  the  grand 
son  of  the  Earl  of  Warwick,  is  a  worthy  match  for 
any,  and  doubtless  it  was  the  cupidity  of  the  Protector 
that  hindered  it." 

"  I  heard  the  settlement  was  only  hindered  because 
her  father  thought  Mr.  Rich  a  worldly  man  and  given 
to  play.  She  resented  it  as  false,  and  plighted  herself 
to  her  lover  in  so  solemn  a  vow,  that  the  Protector 
dared  not  force  her  to  break  it.  She  is  betrothed  now 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  271 

with  her  father's  consent.  Darling  Lady  Frances ! " 
said  Lady  Alice  aside  to  Constance. 

"  Yonr  father  told  me  the  Protector  was  not  pleased 
with  Lord  "Warwick's  offer  of  the  estate." 

"  Pray,  my  dear  mother,  do  not  spoil  my  praises 
of  Frances'  good  spirit.  Besides,  if  you  will  once  let 
me  defend  our  Ruler,  he  is  too  generous  for  his  own 
gain,  as  I  have  heard  it  said.  And  that  is  all  that  I 
find  pleasing  in  him.  When  Parliament  yoted  him  an 
annual  income  of  £1,600,  did  he  not  give  £1,000  year 
ly  to  provide  for  the  war,  and  forgive  all  the  debt  they 
owed  him  for  Avar  service  and  for  his  governorship  of 
the  Isle  of  Ely?" 

"  A  salve  for  his  conscience,  after  the  Irish  mas 
sacre  ? "  said  Lady  Grey,  with  compressed  lips,  and 
more  fire  in  her  eyes  than  she  often  permitted  there. 

"It  happened  before  the  Irish  war,  my  dear 
mother,"  persisted  Lady  Alice. 

"  Drop  the  subject !  "  commanded  the  indignant 
mother.  "  Let  me  hear  no  more  of  the  usurper,  who 
holds  the  throne  of  our  murdered  king.  Neither 
should  you  be  so  much  a  parvenu  as  to  correct  an 
elder;  much  more  your  mother."  For  once,  Lady 
Grey's  face  was  flushed  with  passion  ;  but  she  quickly 
resumed  her  bland  smile  and  calm  voice,  and  bowed 
graciously  to  passing  friends.  Lady  Alice  did  not 
recover  from  the  rebuke  till  they  left  the  Park  and 
drove  to  the  shops,  where  the  merchant-men  paced 
up  and  down,  crying, 

•"  What  d'ye  lack,  madam  ?     What  d'ye  lack  ? " 

"  These  poor  men  must  wax  weary  before  they 


272  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

sell  all  their  wares,"  said  Constance,  laughing  at  the 
clamorous  efforts  of  several  to  attract  Lady  Grey's 
notice.  She,  however,  called  one  to  the  coach,  and 
gave  her  orders  for  certain  costly  goods  to  be  sent 
home  for  inspection. 

The  next  morning  these  goods  arrived,  and  were 
opened  in  the  boudoir,  where  already  a  French 
modiste  was  fashioning  some  delicate  materials  for 
Alice's  betrothal.  Lady  Grey  unfolded  a  rich  buff 
silk,  which  she  commended  strongly  to  Constance  for 
purchase. 

"It  is  the  chosen  color  of  the  season,"  said  she. 
"  Even  the  gravest  cavaliers  sport  it.  At  the  presenta 
tion  of  the  Swedish  ambassador,  Sir  Thomas  Fairfax 
wore  a  buff-coat,  ornamented  with  silver  lace;  the 
sleeves  slashed  with  white  satin.  The  color  would  befit 
your  complexion." 

"Its  splendor  might  well  become  a  woman  of 
state,"  said  Constance,  timidly.  "  I  should  feel  bet 
ter  expressed  in  this  quiet  pearl-color." 

"  Delicate  as  a  wood-violet,"  said  Lady  Alice. 

"  You  should  wear  something  more  striking  at 
your  first  appearance,"  said  Lady  Grey.  "Pearls 
would  contrast  charmingly  with  this  warm  color." 
And  she  tossed  the  gay  folds  across  the  back  of  a 
chair,  to  deepen  the  shadows. 

"  I  should  feel  ill  at  ease  in  anything  that  chal 
lenges  the  eye,"  returned  Constance.  "  I  am  ashamed 
to  combat  your  perfect  taste,  my  dear  aunt ;  but  this 
gentle  pearl-color  wins  my  wishes." 

"  Que pensez-vous,  Annette?" 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  273 

"  Ah  !  Madame,  les  robes  sont  magnifiques  I'une  et 
Vautre  /"  answered  the  frightened  modiste,  "  mats  la 
modestie  est  aimable"  she  added.  Lady  Alice  clapped 
her  little  hands. 

"  Quand  la  Parisienne  l?a  dit,  il  faut  que  nous 
obeissions"  she  cried. 

"Not  so  brusque,  my  dear,"  said  her  mother. 
"My  dear,"  from  her  lips,  always  meant  reproof. 
"  The  paler  silk  has  less  lustre,  and  therefore  flatters 
the  complexion.  You  chose  wisely,"  she  continued, 
turning  to  Constance.  "A  set  of  opals  will  complete 
a  charming  toilet.  Here  are  some  jewels  Ashley 
sent  this  morning  for  my  inspection.  These  opals 
are  worthy  of  your  possession.  Only  £  50  !  "  Con 
stance  looked  at  them,  as  her  aunt  laid  the  beautiful 
necklace  and  ear-rings  against  the  silk.  She  shook 
her  head  slowly. 

"  I  have  well-set  pearls  which  will  serve  me." 

"  Tour  purse  is  ample  to  supply  these." 

"  I  would  limit  my  jewels  in  accordance  with  my 
estate,  that  other  needs  may  not  be  cramped."  Con 
stance  was  thinking  of  Mary  Collins  when  she  said 
this. 

"But  many  noble  ladies,"  returned  Lady  Grey, 
"  think  it  not  ill  to  spend  half-a-year's  income  on 
jewels ! " 

"  Yet  Aunt  Deborah  once  told  me  that  the  pos 
session  of  more  jewels  than  my  just  need,  is  hiding 
the  Lord's  money ;  and  that  an  honest  and  high  taste 
should  limit  me  to  such  as  befit  my  estate.  She 
thought  that  no  queen  ever  made  so  sweet  a  use  of 
12* 


274  CONSTANCE   AYLMEB. 

her  ornaments  as  Queen  Isabella,  when  she  yielded 
her  crown-jewels  to  the  poor,  dejected  Genoese,  that 
he  might  have  wherewith  to  search  the  unknown  seas 
for  a  new  world." 

"  Lady  Moody's  rules  of  life  accord  well  with  that 
new  country  in  which  she  lives/'  remarked  Lady 
Grey,  with  the  blandest  patience.  "  In  London,  one 
needs  to  loosen  so  pious  restraints.  A  year  with  me 
will  soften  such  austerities  in  you,  my  dear." 

Constance  was  silent,  and  wondered  when  she  re 
turned  to  her  own  room  why  she  so  continually  found 
herself  in  opposition  to  her  aunt. 

u  Am  I  grown  willful  ?  -  I  yielded  always  to  Aunt 
Deborah.  She  appealed  to  something  within  me  that 
ever  approved  her  tender  reproofs.  Lady  Grey  ap 
peals  to  another  nature.  Is  it  the  outward  ?  Does 
she  desire  to  train  my  outer  life,  and  so  entice  the 
inner  life  to  conform  to  that  ?  Does  she  mean  thus 
to  soften  my  austerities?  Are  these  opinions  auster 
ities  ?  Do  not  Aunt  Deborah's  gentle  and  noble  teach 
ings  hold  good  in  any  land,  among  any  people?  Any 
people?  Any  godly  people!  Perhaps  that  is  it." 
Constance  felt  perplexed,  sad,  distrustful  of  herself. 
She  stood  a  long  time  looking  from  the  broad  win 
dow  upon  the  winding  Thames  and  the  green  mead 
ows  beyond,  yet  scarcely  thinking  of  the  pleasant 
scene. 

"  It  is  so  difficult  to  know  right  and  wrong,"  said 
she  to  herself.  "At  Moody  Hall,  I  often  felt  myself 
a  worldling  ;  here,  I  am  esteemed  a  bigot.  Prejudice, 
custom,  training,  blind  us  so  that  none  see  clearly. 


CONSTANCE   ATLMER.  275 

Why  should  I  assume  so  fine  a  state  as  to  make  others 
believe  I  possess  great  riches  ?  Should  I  wear  a  lie 
that  I  would  scorn  to  speak  ?  And  be  compelled  to 
add  another  thereto  when  some  sufferer  appeals  to  my 
heart,  and  I  must  say,  '  Go  thy  way,  I  have  nothing  to 
give  thee  ? '  Truly  I  am  not  wrong  to  limit  myself 
for  others'  sake.  Am  I  not  safe  also  to  follow  those 
ways  which  seem  to  me  upright  and  pure,  even  though 
one  tells  me  I  should  renounce  everything  in  this 
beautiful  world  and  walk  heavenward  with  solemn 
steps,  while  another  ridicules  me  as  a  bigot  and  a  Pu 
ritan  because  I  weep  at  impure  words,  and  do  not 
delight  in  jewels  ?  One  learns  here  to  distrust  one's 
self.  There  are  so  many  vigorous  fighters  of  as  many 
faiths  !  The  Friends,  the  Levellers,  the  Presbyterians, 
Fifth-Monarchy  men,  the  Papists,  the  Episcopalians, 
each  clamorously  condemning  all  the  rest.  I  would 
that  I  understood  them  all.  I  crave  some  help  to 
know  even  myself.  There  is  one  Friend  whom  I 
can  ask,  and  his  word  will  tell  me  how  I  can  carry 
myself,  yet  it  would  be  sweet  to  have  a  mother's  coun 
sels  or  a  father's  strong  guidance  besides." 

Constance  felt  isolated.  She  might  have  found 
comfort  in  talking  with  Lord  Grey,  but  he  was  rarely 
at  home.  Parliament  had  sat  during  the  past  two  or 
three  days  from  eight  in  the  morning  till  eight  at 
night,  and  when  released  from  these  long  debatings,  he 
seemed  too  painfully  perplexed  for  her  to  intrude  a 
question.  On  the  Sabbath,  she  went  with  him  and 
Sir  Henry  to  the  Abbey  Church  to  hear  Mr.  Goodwin. 
Lady  Grey  had  always  remained  at  home  since  the 


276  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

rifling  of  the  cathedrals,  choosing  to  pay  the  fine  for 
absence  rather  than  worship  without  bishops,  liturgy, 
or  chants.  As  they  passed  Whitehall  Palace,  Lord 
Grey  remarked  to  Sir  Henry  that  the  Council  of  State 
would  sit  to  day,  which  boded  some  sharp  events. 

"  Parliament,"  said  he,  "  has  debated  furiously  the 
entire  week  whether  the  government  shall  rest  in  a 
Single  Person  and  Parliament,  leaving  rightful  busi 
ness  untouched.  His  Highness  is  roused,  and  I  doubt 
not  prepared  to  dissolve  so  refractory  a  body." 

"  I  thought  the  Protector  would  not  permit  state 
business  on  the  Sabbath,"  said  Constance. 

"It  is  his  maxim  that,  in  extraordinary  cases, 
something  extraordinary  may  be  done,  and  that  the 
moral  laws  in  such  cases  may  be  set  aside,"  replied 
Lord  Grey. 

"  He  is  less  strict  than  I  believed,"  said  Constance. 
"Why  does  he  countenance  so  formal  observance  of 
the  day  ?  My  aunt  calls  it  gloomy  bigotry  to  force 
all  to  carry  themselves  with  equal  sobriety."  Lord 
Grey  turned  and  smiled  at  Constance  in  a  fatherly  way. 

"  You  were  not  released  from  Atherton  Hall,  my 
child,  before  the  Puritans  had  sway,  else  you  would 
not  ask  it.  As  long  as  Kings  and  Queens  and  Bishops 
ruled,  the  Sabbath  was  no  better  observed  than  in 
a  heathen  country.  Court  balls  and  masquerades 
diverted  the  nobility,  and  the  common  people  cried 
their  goods  or  had  morris-dances  and  church-ales." 

"  What  are  church-ales  ? " 

"  Pastimes  and  dances  after  sermon  in  the  church 
yard  or  at  the  ale-houses,  where  the  people  drank  lus- 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  277 

tily  and  gave  bountiful  alms  for  the  beautifying  of  the 
churches  with  pictures  and  images.  These  benevo 
lent  revelries  were  named  church- ales.  The  minis 
ters  were  compelled  by  King  James  and  his  bishops 
to  read  from  the  pulpits  what  was  called  the  '  Book 
of  Sports' — a  declaration  of  His  Majesty  authorizing 
these  Sabbath  sports.  If  they  refused,  they  were  de 
posed  from  their  sacred  office  and  even  imprisoned. 
Such  as  these  found  their  way  to  New  England  for 
conscience'  sake.  These  revelries,  made  lawful,  took 
so  strong  hold  upon  the  people  that  they  could  not  af 
terward  be  restrained  except  by  laws  made  continually 
more  stringent.  Now,  all  are  compelled  to  remain  at 
home  in  quietness,  or  listen  to  such  preaching  as  they 
will  on  the  Sabbath." 

"  Is  there  any  other  than  Puritan  preaching  ? " 

"  Yes.  Yarious  sects  have  their  liberty,  in  so  far 
as  they  do  not  disturb  the  peace  or  rant  against  the 
government.  His  Highness  says  it  is  his  '  only  wish 
that  all  would  gather  into  one  sheep-fold,  under  one 
shepherd,  Jesus  Christ,  and  love  one  another.'  In 
this,  he  allows  liberty  of  conscience  to  all." 

"  Except  Papists,"  added  Sir  Henry. 

"  Yes,"  continued  Lord  Grey, "  except  Deists,  Pa 
pists,  and  Episcopalians,  who  are  now  but  Papists  in 
the  germ,  and  too  hostile  to  the  government  to  have 
liberty  in  any  wise.  Indeed,  we  were  all  Episcopalians 
once ;  the  excesses  of  Archbishop  Laud  forcing  us 
into  popery  and  denying  our  liberty,  caused  us  to  re 
bound  to  the  simplicities  of  the  early  Christians,  as  in 
Luther's  day." 


278  COXSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

"  Do  the  Friends,  the  Anabaptists,  and  Fifth-Mon 
archy  men  have  all  the  liberty  they  desire  in  worship  ?" 

"  They  all  have  liberty,  so  they  do  but  keep  the 
peace  and  not  plant  seditions.  Such  as  will  disturb 
the  worship  of  others  are  justly  imprisoned." 

"  The  Lord  Protector  then  is  not  the  bigot  his  en 
emies  cry  him  to  be,"  said  Constance,  with  animated 
interest. 

"  Far  from  it.  The  Friends  promise  him  the 
wrath  of  God  because  he  will  not  pull  down  the 
steeple-houses  and  silence  ministers,  and  the  Fifth- 
Monarchy  men  desire  him  to  destroy  all  government 
and  make  way  for  King  Jesus  and  his  reign  of  a 
thousand  years,  while  the  Presbyterians  would  coerce 
him  to  forbid  all  sects  but  their  own.  He  yields  to 
the  persuasion  of  none,  but  cries, '  Liberty  of  conscience 
to  all." 

They  had  arrived  at  the  door  of  the  church,  and 
the  conversation  ceased ;  but  Constance  had  learned 
enough  to  stir  her  thoughts  into  new  life.  This,  with 
the  beauty  of  the  cathedral,  so  vast  and  unique  to  her 
novice  eyes,  absorbed  her  till  nearly  half  the  service 
had  passed  like  a  dream.  Its  length  began  to  subdue 
her  enthusiasm,  and  enabled  her  at  last  to  listen  to  the 
severe  rebukes  and  patriotic  entreaties  of  the  minister 
for  the  speedy  settling  of  the  affairs  of  the  nation. 
Sir  Henry  sat  restless,  and  wondered  that  the  troubled 
members  of  Parliament  bore  so  much.  Lord  Grey 
looked  downcast,  and  sighed  often  and  deeply. 

At  the  end  of  the  service,  he  told  Constance  he 
desired  to  speak  to  Mr.  Goodwin,  and  she  might  await 


CONSTANCE    A.TLMEK.  279 

him  in  the  aisle  if  she  would.  Lord  Huntington 
lingered  also  after  the  people  had  gone  out.  He  carne 
to  ask  Constance  if  she  had  been  within  the  cathedral 
before. 

"  I  have  not,"  she  replied.  "  It  seems  to  me  too 
magnificent  in  itself  to  need  the  adornments  of  pictures 
and  images,  which  Lady  Grey  mourns  so  plaintively." 

"Yet  some  of  those  paintings  might  have  well 
adorned  a  palace." 

"  Why  were  such  destroyed  ?  " 

"  There  was  no  need.  There  should  have  been  a 
more  judicious  destruction.  But  they  were  swept 
away  with  all  decorations  that  courted  idolatrous 
worship.  Many  ancient  windows  were  defaced  or 
destroyed  also,  because  some  ignorant  people  worship 
ed  the  representations  of  Deity  painted  thereon. 
Years  ago,  in  one  of  the  windows  of  St.  Edmunds,  in 
Salisbury,  were  seven  pictures  of  God  the  Father  in 
form  of  a  little  old  man  in  a  blue  and  red  coat,  with 
a  pouch  by  his  side  ;  one  represented  him  creating  the 
sun,  moon,  and  stars  with  a  pair  of  compasses,  and 
others  as  performing  the  remaining  work  of  creation. 
In  the  last,  he  was  seated  in  an  elbow-chair  at  rest.* 
This  window  was  broken  when  the  Puritans  were  first 
struggling  for  power.  They  have  but  lately  com 
pleted  such  breakings." 

"  I  believed  they  broke  such  ancient  windows  be 
cause  of  the  gay  adornment  only.  I  wonder  now  no 
longer,"  said  Constance. 

*  Neal's  Puritans.     Vol.  1,  p.  307. 


280  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

"  Then  you  will  not  at  the  destruction  of  the 
images,"  continued  Lord  Huntington.  "  In  the  Cathe 
dral  of  Durham  was  a  stone  statue  of  Christ  with  a 
golden  beard,  a  blue  cap  and  sun-rays  on  his  head, 
and  in  others  were  images  of  the  Yirgin.  These  had 
all  been  set  up  since  the  time  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and 
it  was  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  the  Reforma 
tion  to  cast  them  out  as  popish  innovations." 

"It  was  then  more  the  spirit  of  reform  than  of 
intolerance  that  moved  the  decrees,"  said  Constance, 
thoughtfully.  "But,"'  she  added,  looking  up  and 
blushing  slightly  as  she  found  Lord  H.  studying  her 
face,  "  but  the  music — why  condemn  that  which  calls 
up  only  heavenly  emotion  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  furnish  you  with  so  reasonable  reasons 
against  music.  It  was  first  proposed  that '  music  be 
framed  with  less  curiosity,  and  that  no  anthems  be 
used  where  ditties  are  framed  by  private  men.'  Later, 
the  organs  were  taken  down,  and  the  singing-men 
dismissed,  in  order  to  return  to  the  simple  form  used 
by  the  early  churches." 

"And  does  the  Protector  forbid  instrumental 
music  always,  as  do  the  Friends? " 

"His  Highness  is  fond  of  music,"  answered  Lord 
Huntington,  smiling.  "He  has  furnished  fine  voices 
and  instruments  at  the  cock-pit,  for  the  entertainment 
of  his  friends ;  and  he  does  not  refuse  to  go  sometimes 
to  Coleman's  Music  House." 

"  He  is  not  then  the  austere  man  I  had  pictured. 
I  shall  mingle  love  with  the  profound  reverence  in 
which  I  hold  him,"  said  Constance  with  a  bright 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  281 

smile  and  a  feeling  of  pleasure  in  listening  to  his 
praises.  There  was  something  in  the  voice  that  spoke 
these  praises,  too,  that  touched  her.  She  recalled  it 
after  they  went  out  and  parted  at  the  church-door, 
and  thought  as  she  rode  silently  home  that  when  she 
met  him  again,  she  would  study  what  that  was  to 
which  she  listened  as  to  a  strain  of  music,  although 
his  tones  were  not  musical. 

The  next  evening  it  was  rumored  that  the  Pro 
tector  had  sent  to  the  Lord  Mayor  to  look  to  the  peace 
of  the  city,  and  had  summoned  Parliament  to  attend 
him.  The  following  day  all  London  was  moved  at 
the  coup  d'etat  by  which  Cromwell  brought  turbulent 
members  under  his  control. 

"  Parliament  is  dissolved,  or  somewhat  like  it ! " 
exclaimed  Sir  Henry,  coming  in  at  evening  from  a 
drive  with  Lord  D'Arcy. 

"So  our  lion  is  roaring  again,"  laughed  Lady 
Alice. 

"  His  Highness,  as  he  has  done  once  before,  caused 
the  mace  to  be  taken  away,  the  doors  to  be  locked,  a 
guard  of  soldiers  to  be  stationed  there — those  Ironsides, 
ready  always  to  do  his  bidding — and  summoned  the 
members  to  attend  him  in  the  Painted  Chamber.  He 
there  delivered  a  speech  most  amazing  for  what  it 
contained,  and,  above  all,  for  that  with  which  it  ended." 

Lady  Grey  waited  with  lip  already  curled  with 
suppressed  scorn.  As  Sir  Henry  teazingly  withheld 
further  information,  she  said, 

"  I  wait  to  hear  you  say  Cromwell  lias  proclaimed 
himself  kino;  \  " 


282  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

"Not  that,  though  his  act  was  kingly,"  replied  Sir 
Henry,  stroking  the  long  plumes  of  his  hat  still  in  his 
hand.  At  this  moment  Lord  Huntington  was  an 
nounced.  "  Here  is  one,  having  been  present,  can 
make  it  known  to  you  better  than  I,"  added  Sir 
Henry. 

Constance  was  happy  at  his  timely  arrival,  and 
after  Lady  Grey  had  met  him  in  her  stately  way,  he 
turned  to  her  and  saw  the  bright  flush  of  welcome  in 
her  face. 

"  You  will  interpret  the  Protector  to  us  this  even 
ing,  will  you  not  ? "  she  asked,  in  a  low  voice. 

"  Gladly.  You  have  heard  of  his  characteristic 
proceedings  ? "  said  he,  taking  a  seat  beside  Lady 
Grey. 

"  Sir  Henry  has  shadowed  something,"  replied  the 
latter.  "  We  would  know  the  ominous  ending." 

"  Not  ominous,  but  bright — promising  the  speedy 
settlement  his  Highness  so  much  desires,"  returned 
Lord  H.,  looking  at  Constance.  "  He  claimed  that 
Parliament  had  no  right  to  discuss  his  authority, 
.which  came  from  the  people.  He  quickly  settled  by 
a  skilful  stroke  that  which  has  been  fiercely  discussed 
since  we  assembled,  with  no  promise  of  corning  to  an 
end.  He  summoned  all  to  sign  a  writing  recognizing 
him  as  Lord  Protector,  and  promising  not  to  alter  the 
government  as  it  stands  in  a  single  person  and  Parlia 
ment.  Let  me  repeat  what  he  said  when  he  offered 
it.  '  This,'  said  he,  *  doth  determine  the  controversy  I 
I  have  caused  a  stop  to  be  put  to  your  entrance  into 
the  Parliament  House.  This  only  will  let  you  in.  I 


CONSTANCE   ATLMEE.  283 

am  sorry,  sorry,  sorry  to  the  death,  that  there  is 
cause  for  this.  But  there  is  cause.' ': 

"  He  will  not  permit  the  people  to  alter  the  gov 
ernment,  then  ! "  said  Lady  Grey,  slightly  elevating 
her  eyebrows  with  amazement, 

"  He  refuses  to  allow  Parliament  to  do  thus  with 
out  consent  of  the  people.  '  I  can  sooner  be  willing 
to  be  rolled  into  my  grave  and  buried  with  infamy, 
than  I  can  give  my  consent  unto,'  he  said.  And  you 
should  have  witnessed  the  metal  of  his  frame  while 
speaking.  He  stood  nobler  than  a  Roman  before  us, 
Madam." 

"  I  see,  in  all  that,  only  that  he  holds  the  authority 
of  a  king — he  who  was  once  but  a  country  gentle 
man,  and  an  ill-looking  one  at  that !  "  exclaimed  Lady 
Grey,  indignantly.  "  It  is  the  crown  he  looks  to,  and 
will  yet  put  upon  his  own  brow." 

"  You  do  not  know  the  majestic  soul  of  Oliver 
Cromwell,"  replied  Lord  Huntington,  sadly.  "  He 
could  have  grasped  the  crown  before  this,  if  he  had  so 
chosen.  You  do  not  know  the  soul  of  his  schemes 
for  England." 

"  I  believe  it  to  be  crafty  ambition  that  moves 
him,"  said  Lady  Grey,  bitterly. 

"  Ah,  Madam,  none  so  blind  as  they  who  will 
not  see.  His  schemes  do  not  admit  of  kingship.  His 
efforts  are  against  hereditary  government,  for  '  who 
(he  well  says)  can  tell  if  he  shall  beget  a  wise  man 
or  a  fool.'  He  has  often  said  he  '  would  have,  men 
chosen  for  their  love  to  God,  and  to  Truth  and 
Justice.'  He  would  model  our  government  after  that 


284  CONSTANCE  AYLMER. 

form  given  by  God  to  the  Jews,  and  inclines  to  be 
lieve  these  are  the  last  days  which  are  to  usher  in  the 
millennium.  He  says,  most  nobly,  in  justifying  his 
acceptance  of  the  Protectorship,  thus  :  '  Concerning 
that  promise  in  Isaiah  that  God  would  give  Rulers  as 
at  the  first,  and  Judges  as  at  the  beginning,  I  did  not 
know  but  that  God  might  now  begin  ;  and  though 
at  present  with  a  most  unworthy  person,  yet  as  to 
the  future  it  might  be  after  this  manner ;  and  I 
thought  this '  (his  protectorship) '  might  usher  it  in  ! '  "* 

"  Fanaticism  ! "  said  Lady  Grey,  scornfully.  "  He 
is  not  far  behind  the  Levellers,  who  would  hasten  the 
millennium  by  putting  all  the  world  to  planting  the 
earth  with  pulse.  So  he  would  sweep  away  the  dis 
tinctions  of  high  birth,  and  reduce  all  to  a  common 
level." 

"It  is  quite  true,"  returned  Lord  Huntington, 
"  that  he  would  not  have  hereditary  distinctions,  but 
those  rather  of  a  higher  nature.  He  thinks,  in  due 
time,  to  govern  this  kingdom  through  godly  magis 
trates." 

"  I  see  little  prospect  now  of  attaining  so  sublime 
an  end,"  said  Sir  Henry. 

"  In  due  time  order  will  arise  out  of  so  much 
warring.  It  is  the  hope  of  attaining  this,  that  occa 
sioned  his  high  proceedings  to-day.  In  watching 
events  in  detail  close  at  hand,  you  do  not  discover  the 
meaning  of  the  confused  picture  of  England.  But 
beyond  the  seas,  mouarchs  tremble  and  do  homage  to 

*  Carlyle's  Cromwell.     Speech  IV. 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEK.  285 

Oliver  Cromwell  as  they  behold  the  grand  outlines 
he  has  sketched,  and  is  rapidly  filling  out  with  a  firm 
and  skilful  touch." 

"  You  speak  truly,  Lord  Huntington,  when  you 
say  we  see  the  outline  of  his  purpose  better  beyond 
the  sea  than  near  at  hand.  I  confess  that  I  do  here 
but  blindly  understand  the  plans  for  settlement,  and 
in  all  that  which  I  have  heard  His  Highness  speak, 
he  confesses  that  he  walks  much  in  the  dark." 

"  He  waits  for  Divine  guidance,"  replied  Lord 
Huntington.  "  Have  you  not  heard  him  call  that 
blasphemy  which  credits  him  or  any  man  with  the 
contrivances  and  production  of  those  mighty  things 
which  God  has  wrought  among  us?  'Take  heed,' 
he  says,  'how  you  judge  of  His  revolutions  as  the 
product  of  men's  inventions ! '  He  warns  those  who 
count  these  great  events  the  result  of  the  craft  of 
statesmen  or  '  the  cunning  of  the  Lord  -Protector,'  to 
have  a  care  '  lest  they  vilify  and  lessen  the  works  of 
God,  and  rob  him  of  His  glory  ! '  " 

"  I  have  never  before  thought  of  Cromwell  as 
waiting  in  uncertainty  how  to  act,"  remarked  Con 
stance.  "  I  believed  he  moved  in  the  affairs  of  the 
nation  as  at  the  head  of  his  army,  with  a  clear  head 
and  quick  will." 

"  True,  Mistress  Aylmer,  when  his  decision  is  once 
reached.  As  did  Luther,  so  Cromwell  prostrates  him 
self  before  God,  with  tears  and  striving  of  soul  to  know 
His  will.  Such  souls  do  not  walk  easily  to  greatness, 
but  step  by  step  like  little  children  ;  fearing  and 
wavering  till  they  feel  the  Eock  underneath.  It  is  the 


286  CONSTANCE,  AYLMER. 

unyielding  firmness  with  which  they  stand  when  each, 
sure  step  is  taken,  that  causes  us  to  rejoice  in  their 
strength  and  forget  how  they  attained  it." 

During  the  conversation,  Constance  had  seen  the 
scornful  lips  of  her  aunt,  the  flash  of  her  vexed  spirit, 
the  fire  of  her  angry  eyes  repressed  with  courtesy,  yet 
not  hidden.  "Even  she,  then,  cannot  hide  a  stormy 
soul  under  a  calm  face,  as  she  promised  me  to  do," 
thought  Constance.  But  she  forgot  her  in  listening  to 
Lord  Huntington,  who  spoke  with  enthusiastic  warmth 
after  that  morning  scene  in  the  Painted  Chamber.  It 
gratified  her  to  hear  Cromwell's  praises  ;  to  see  him 
pictured  generous,  godly,  large-minded,  and  strong- 
souled  by  the  noble  man  who  stood  before  her; 
pictured  in  words  rounded  by  the  clearest  and  most 
perfect  pronunciation,  and  voiced  with  that  refined- 
charm  which  she  vividly  felt,  but  had  not  yet  analyzed. 
And  Lord  Huntington  was  not  unmoved  by  the  trust 
ing  face  that  appealed  to  him  at  every  sneer  of  Lady 
Grey.  Her  sympathy  and  ardor  inspired  him  too.  It 
was  a  pleasure  to  please  her  thus,  a  deep  gratification 
to  teach  one  teachable,  to  satisfy  her  longings  to  dis 
cover  what  was  just  and  true. 

"  But  let  us  rest  now  from  this  discussion,"  said  he ; 
"we  each  remain  as  strong  in  our  own  opinions  as 
when  we  began.  I  have  no  hope  of  making  a  Crom- 
wellian  of  you,  Madam ;  and  you,"  he  continued, 
turning  to  Constance,  "need  no  conversion,  as  I  per 
ceive.  Let  us  speak  of  that  country  whence  you  have 
lately  come.  I  would  know  something  of  Governor 
Stuyvesant,  of  whom  I  have  heard  quaint  things. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  287 

Also  of  a  former  friend  who  went  to  Virginia,  and 
lately  was  engaged  by  the  Governor  to  settle  an  affair 
with  our  government.  He  was  a  cavalier  of  fine 
accomplishments,  only  too  proud  for  his  misfortunes  ; 
by  name,  Edward  Mordaunt." 

A  sharp  heart-throb  tortured  Constance  for  a  mo 
ment,  so  that  she  could  not  speak  at  once.  A  deep 
color  mounted  to  her  temples  and  then  receded,  leav 
ing  her  pale  as  a  lily. 

"My  cousin,  Sir  Henry,  knows  him  well,"  she 
answered  at  length,  with  a  look  of  entreaty  that  he 
would  reply  for  her.  Happily  she  sat  in  shadow. 
Only  the  agitation  of  her  voice  and  the  frightened 
expression  of  her  face  betrayed  her.  Lord  Huntington 
discovered  it,  and  with  generous  tact  received  Sir 
Henry's  reply  without  further  question,  and  turned 
his  inquiries  upon  Governor  Stuyvesant.  In  the 
amusing  conversation  that  followed,  Constance  quickly 
recovered  her  composure  and  reserved,  for  after  reflec 
tion,  the  strangeness  of  this  rencounter.  But  it 
brought  Lord  Huntington  in  unexpected  and  unwished 
comparison  with  Edward  Mordaunt.  She  found  her 
self  persistently  contrasting  them — so  like  in  some 
ways,  so  widely  different  in  others.  She  remembered 
the  pettish  tone  in  which  Mordaunt  had  sometimes 
chided  her.  She  listened  now  and  forgot  every  thing 
while  listening  to  discover  what  seemed  so  sweet  in 
this  manly  voice.  And  she  found  it !  It  was  the 
tenderness  in  the  falling  intonations:  an  exquisite 
tenderness,  lost  in  his  louder  speech,  but  most  touch 
ing  in  natural  tones.  Constance  was  looking  down, 


288  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

•    i 

abstracted,  her  face  all  smiles  with  the  enjoyment  of 
her  discovery,  when  rallied  to  consciousness  by  Lady 
Grey. 

"I  beg  pardon,  I  was  heeding  your  voice  rather 
than  your  words,"  said  she,  in  reply  to  Lord  Hunting- 
ton.  He  smiled  and  repeated  an  unimportant  question, 
and  after  some  other  lively  chat  arose  and  went  away. 
In  going,  he  promised  himself  to  see  her  again  soon. 
She  would  wish  to  hear  more  of  her  hero.  Besides, 
he  owed  it  to  Lord  Grey's  friendship  to  contribute  to 
her  enjoyment  of  the  London  season.  Certainly ! 

After  his  departure,  Sir  Henry  told  Constance  of 
his  own  intended  return  to  America  within  a  few  days, 
and  of  a  new  proposal  to  remove  to  Virginia,  if  his 
mother  could  be  so  persuaded.  Such  prospects  were 
held  out  to  him  as  strongly  inclined  him  to  accept  the 
change,  as  more  favorable  to  his  purse  and  to  his  am 
bition  than  his  lifeless  occupations  at  Gravesend.  His 
speedy  return  was  necessary  to  secure  the  offered  posi 
tion,  and  to  win  Lady  Moody's  consent  to  seek  a  new 
home.  It  only  remained  for  Constance  to  decide  if 
she  would  return  with  him  or  remain  in  London. 
Lord  Grey  laid  his  commands  upon  her  at  once.  He 
should  not  allow  her  to  leave  his  roof.  He  was  her 
proper  guardian,  and  she  was  not  of  age.  It  was  need 
ful  that  she  should  know  something  of  her  estates,  but 
the  road  to  Atherton  Hall  would  be  impassable  in 
winter.  A  coach  and  six  could  not  proceed  much 
faster  than  one  mije  an  hour,  and  it  was  a  happy  jour 
ney  when  such  an  equipage  did  not  upset  or  stick  fast 
in  the  mud.  A  pack-horse  or  the  stage-wagon  were 


OOXSTAXCE    AYLMEK.  .  289 

safer  modes  of  conveyance,  but  Constance  would  not 
care  to  mount  a  pack -saddle  between  two  baskets,  nor 
to  crouch  in  the  straw  with  a  crowd  of  passengers  in 
the  back  of  the  stage-wagon.  She  must  wait  till  the 
next  mid-summer. 

Neither  would  Lady  Grey  permit  her  to  go  from 
England  now.  She  secretly  counted  on  the  pleasure 
of  transforming  her  into  a  London  belle,  and  of 
maneuvering  an'estimable  marriage.  Now  that  Lady 
Alice  was  provided  for,  she  needed  such  occupation  to 
give  zest  to  her  enjoyment  of  the  dulness  of  society. 
Constance  acquiesced  'in  the  decision  to  remain,  and, 
after  weighing  down  Sir  Henry's  baggage  with  all 
manner  of  tokens  of  her  love  for  dear  Aunt  Deborah, 
and  not  forgetting  Chloe  and  Mingo,  she  allowed  him 
to  depart  with  her  final  message  that  there  was  no 
place  on  earth  so  sweet  and  peaceful  as  Moody  Hall. 
13 


290  CONSTANCE  AYLMEB. 


XXIII. 

A  SELECT  dinner-party  met  at  Lord  Grey's  on  one 
of  the  pleasant  autumn  days,  to  celebrate  the  betrothal 
of  Lady  Alice.  Mother  and  daughter  were  resolute 
to  have  a  ceremonial  use  of  the  ring.  For  once,  Lord 
Grey  was  equally  resolute.  He  would  have  no  papist 
ical  forms  or  symbols  with  which  to  insult  his  Puritan 
guests.  Lord  D'Arcy's  family  were  there,  stiif  royal 
ists,  yielding  outwardly  to  the  inevitable  course  of 
events,  crouching  only  till  this  regime  should  pass 
away.  Flowing '  curls,  lace  ties  and  ruffles  and 
diamonds  distinguished  these.  Stanch  Puritans  were 
there  also,  in  plain  velvet  hose,  broad  collars,  and 
russet-leather  boots.  Lady  Alice  was  exquisitely 
dressed  in  lace  and  silk,  with  flowing  train  and  open 
sleeves,  her  hair  laid  in  coquettish  curls  across  her  low 
forehead.  She  was  full  of  pretty  vivacity ;  easy  and 
happy  in  being  the  observed  of  all  eyes,  and  the  envy 
of  both  mothers  and  daughters  ;  thus  publicly  accept 
ing  Lord  D'Arcy  as  her  future  husband  in  a  graceful 
condescending  way,  much  as  if  he  offered  her  a  costly 
bauble  rather  than  the  devotion  of  a  full  heart.  Con 
stance,  in  the  midst  of  this  aristocratic  assemblage, 
was  like  a  soft  gleam  of  moonlight  in  her  delicate 
robe,  and  in  her  reserved,  slightly  cold  demeanor.  If 
she  often  met  admiring  eyes  bent  upon  her,  she  did 
not  know  it  was  for  the  sake  of  her  winsome  beauty, 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEB.  291 

but  believed  they  thought  her  that  East  Indiaman's 
daughter  of  whom  she  had  been  told,  or  a  strange 
guest  from  across  the  sea.  Unused  to  courtly  ceremo 
ny,  she  was  afraid  of  committing  some  mistake,  and 
shrank  from  the  criticisms  of  her  aunt.  She  felt  reas 
sured,  not  flattered,  when  her  aunt  tapped  her  arm 
lightly  with  her  fan  and  whispered, 

u  Do  not  fear.     I  am  justly  proud  of  your  entree.''1 

After  the  simple  ceremony  of  plighting,  Lord 
Grey  led  the  way  to  the  sumptuous  dinner  with  the 
mother  of  Lord  D'Arcy,  and,  following  this  compli 
ment  to  the  royalists,  Lady  Grey,  with  delicate 
homage  to  learning,  selected  the  Puritan,  John  Mil 
ton.  Constance  was  consigned  to  Lord  Hunting- 
ton. 

"When  the  noisy  discussion  of  the  palatable  viands 
sufficiently  shielded  her,  she  asked, 

"  "Who  is  the  gentleman  of  so  solemn  demeanor 
and  so  fine  features,  whom  Lady  Grey  honored  ?  " 

"  John  Milton,  the  learned  Secretary  for  foreign 
tongues.  England  owes  much  to  him  for  the  elo 
quence  and  dignity  he  gives  to  the  political  dispatches. 
He  is  blind  and  proceeds  slowly,  but  the  Lord  Pro 
tector  values  him  too  highly  to  permit  his  retirement." 

"  I  wonder  that  you  say  he  is  bljncj.  His  eyes  are 
clear  and  serene." 

l<  Yet  moving  among  men,  he  lives  in  the  solitude 
pf  blindness.  But  solitude  ripens  a  great  man's  soul. 
He  comforts  hinjself  with  music  and  poetry.  I  have 
fiften,  in  passing  through  Petty  France,  where  he 
Jives,  heard  him  accompany  his  organ  with  his  own 


292  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

psalms,  which  Henry  Laws,  who  belonged  to  King 
Charles'  chapel,  has  set  to  flowing  music." 

"  He  is  a  poet,  then  !  "  said  Constance.  "  He  car 
ries  an  austere  air  for  a  poet." 

"  But  he  writes  with  delicacy  as  well  as  strength. 
One  never  finds  him  coarse.  He  gives  his  ideal  wo 
men  a  dignity  and  high  purity  beyond  any  writer  I 
know.  Witness  even  his  drama,  Comus." 

"  You  speak  in  riddles,"  said  Constance,  timidly. 
"  I  know  nothing  of  Comus." 

"  I  will  dispatch  to  you  his  volume  of  sonnets, 
plays,  and  psalms,  written  chiefly  in  his  youth,  and 
published  these  ten  years." 

"  And  has  he  written  a  stage-play  ?  "  asked  Con 
stance,  as  if  she  could  not  reconcile  this  with  a  good 
man's  role. 

"  Lord  Huntington  !  "  laughingly  exclaimed  Lady 
Alice,  who  sat  at  his  right  and  overheard  the  last  in 
quiry,  "  Constance  holds  a  horror  for  theatricals.  She 
went  with  us  once  to  the  play  and  condemned  it 
with  tears.  If  you  would  possess  her  good  will,  you 
must  not  recommend  an  entertainment  so  unsaint- 

iy." 

"  The  quality  of  the  play,  perhaps,  distressed  her," 
he  replied.  "  Mistress  Constance  will  not  condemn 
Comus."  Then  seeing  that  she  was  sorry  at  having 
been  betrayed,  he  called  her  attention  to  the  dish  set 
before  them.  It  was  a  puff-paste  hen,  with  wings 
spread  over  a  nest  of  eggs  of  like  composition. 

"  A  pretty  conceit,"  said  he.  "  And  every  egg 
contains  a  fat  nightingale,  daintily  cooked." 


CONSTAXCE    AYLMEB.  293 

"  These  birds  sing  too  sweetly  to  suffer  so  poor  a 
fate,"  said  Constance. 

"  Truly  they  do,"  replied  Lord  Huntington.  "  Mr. 
Milton  loves  the  nightingale.  He  says  in  11  Pense- 
roso,  as  you  will  see, 

"  Sweet  bied,  that  shunn'st  the  noise  of  folly, 
Most  musical,  most  melancholy  ! " 

He  will  be  indignant  at  the  sacrifice,  if  he  discovers 
of  what  dish  he  partakes,  and  think  it  pitiful  to  be 
stow  upon  the  lower  sense  that  which  is  able  to  ap 
peal  with  so  much  sweetness  to  the  higher." 

Constance  made  no  reply,  for  general  conversation 
had  gradually  ceased  from  interest  in  a  topic  discussed 
by  two  or  three.  The  ladies  at  length  withdrew  and 
sipped  coffee  in  the  drawing-room.  When  the  gentle 
men  rejoined  them,  Constance  found  Lord  H.  at  her 
side,  and  when  he  sauntered  away  to  others,  could 
not  fail  to  see  that  his  eyes  were  sure  to  wander  in 
search  of  her.  Before  taking  leave,  he  returned 
again. 

"I  have  just  received  a  promise  that  Lady  Gray 
will  accompany  you  and  Lady  Alice  to  study  some 
esteemed  treasures  of  art  which  I  brought  from  the 
continent.  Also  you  will  find  some  satisfaction  in  the 
fiowers  to  which  I  have  given  up  my  garden-house," 
said  he.  Constance  assented  with  both  pleasure  and 
surprise,  for  she  knew  that  he  lived  almost  a  hermit, 
and  that  one  rarely  found  entrance  to  his  elegant 
home,  except  at  some  stately  dinner. 

The  next  day,  Kose  brought  to  her  mistress  two 


294  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

volumes  left  for  her  inspection.  One  was  Milton's 
poems ;  the  other  contained  a  few  of  Shakspeare's 
plays.  This  last  took  her  unawares.  Should  she 
read  it  ?  Had  not  her  father  long  ago  condemned  it  ? 
Would  she  not  be  like  Eve  tasting  of  the  forbidden 
fruit  ?  Yet  Lord  Huntington  had  sent  it,  and  he  a 
Puritan  1  He  would  not  tempt  her  wrongly.  She 
opened  it  and  glanced  over  a  page,  then  laid  it  down 
with  fear,  and  took  it  up  again  resolutely,  certain  th,at 
she  could  trust  his  judgment.  Once  opened,  the  book 
was  not  closed  till  she  had  drank  deeply  all  of  Mac 
beth,  all  of  Hamlet. 

A  week  or  two  later,  Lady  Grey  proposed  to 
accept  Lord  Huntington's  invitation.  They  found 
him  at  home,  ordering  the  removal  of  some  plants  to 
his  garden-house.  He  took  them  thither  without  cere 
mony.  The  sweet  perfume  of  orange-flowers  filled 
the  rooms  given  up  as  a  conservatory.  Scentless 
japonicas,  rose-tinted  cactus,  and  gorgeous  foreign 
flowers  won  exclamations  from  Lady  Alice.  Con 
stance  went  from  flower  to  flower  in  still  ecstacy. 

"These  japonicas  are  cold,  stiff  and  pale,  like 
winter,"  said  she  at  last,  "and  this  scarlet  cactus, 
with  its  ray-like  stamens,  well  sets  forth  the  warmth 
of  the  tropics." 

"  How  unfortunate  it  is  in  its  leaves ! "  said  Lady 
Alice,  languidly.  "  Without  those  I  should  esteem  it 
distingue"  Constance  strolled  further  till  she  dis 
covered  a  graceful-throated,  delicate  flower,  rare  and 
costly  as  the  gem  of  a  coronet. 

"  This  should  be  worn  by  a  princess  only,"  said 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  295 

she  half-aloud,  and  then  leaned  forward  to  inhale  the 
sweetness  of  a  cluster  of  white  tuberoses. 

"  How  pure !  how  deliciously  fragant ! "  she  ex 
claimed.  "  Mary's  precious  box  of  alabaster  must 
have  given  forth  such  sweetness.  It  is  truly  fit  for  an 
offering  of  the  purest  love."  Turning,  to  call  the 
attention  of  her  cousin,  she  found  Lord  Huntington 
standing  near,  watching  her  enjoyment.  As  Lady 
Grey  came  to  ask  of  the  history  and  value  of  some 
plants,  she  passed  on,  not  caring  now  for  their  history. 
The  grace  of  form,  the  glow  or  the  delicacy  of  color, 
the  exquisite  fragrance  of  the  blossoms  filled  her  with 
a  dreamy  happiness  she  could  not  express,  and  loved 
to  enjoy  in  silence.  In  returning,  she  lingered  again 
near  the  tuberoses,  touched  the  long  graceful  foliage 
caressingly,  inhaled  the  delicious  perfume  with  a 
sigh,  and  followed  the  retiring  party  from  the  garden- 
house  back  to  the  portico  of  the  stately  mansion. 
Passing  across  the  tessellated  floor  of  a  spacious  hall, 
they  entered  a  suite  of  rooms  hung  with  silk,  and 
frescoed  with  flowers.  Here,  they  discoursed  of 
statuary  and  pictures,  of  which  Lady  Grey  was  an 
enthusiastic  connoisseur  since  forced  to  repress  this 
taste.  While  she  was  studying  a  Holy  Family,  Lord 
Huntington  led  Constance  to  an  alcove,  to  look  over 
some  rare  books. 

"  I  owe  you  an  apology,  Mistress  Constance,  for 
despatching  to  you  a  volume  of  Shakespeare  without 
your  consent.  It  is  condemned,  I  know,  but  most 
unworthily.  The  plays  I  sent  need  not  offend  you. 
Have  you  read  them  ? " 


296  COXSTANCE   AYLMEH. 

"  Yes;  with  fear  at  first,  but  I  believed  I  might 
rest  in  your  approval." 

"Did  you  find  pleasure  in  them  ? " 

"Indeed  I  did.  Yet  I  am  troubled  that  I  could 
so  profoundly  admire  wicked  people.  Lady  Macbeth 
bears  remorse  with  so  amazing  fortitude,  and  seeks  so 
well  to  sustain,  shield,  and  comfort,  rather  than  re 
proach  the  weak  Macbeth,  that  she  wins  my  regard. 
She  dissembles  like  an  evil  angel.  She  commands 
like  a  queen.  I  admire  her,  and  feel  condemned  for  it." 

"  It  is  her  force  of  character  that  captivates  your 
approval,  not  her  evil  influence.  You  have  no  need 
to  condemn  yourself." 

"  Was  it  for  such  reasons  my  father  burned  those 
plays  ? "  asked  Constance,  earnestly. 

"  He  may  rather  have  been  affronted  at  the  coarse 
ness  of  some  scenes,  and  the  harm  which  the  picturing 
of  vice  may  carry  to  some  minds.  Do  you  remember 
Hamlet  with  more  satisfaction  than  Macbeth  ?  " 

"  Truly  I  do  not.  Hamlet  promised  nobly  in  the 
first  act.  He  proves  aimless  to  my  sense.  Polonius, 
so  wise  at  first,  throws  discredit  on  wisdom;  and 
sweet  Ophelia  is  weak.  But  I  am  ashamed  to  speak 
my  unlearned  thoughts  of  a  great  man's  work.  I  am 
like  the  humble  sparrow  chirping  its  discontent  with 
the  glorious  melody  of  the  nightingale." 

"  ]STo,  Mistress  Constance,"  replied  Lord  II.  "  It 
is  pleasing  to  discover  the  impression  made  upon  one 
not  already  fortified  with  borrowed  opinions.  But 
you  will  remember  that  Shakspeare  offers  no  perfect 
characters.  He  took  them  as  he  found  them  in  the 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  297 

world — bad  men  possessed  of  generous  traits  that  win 
ns ;  good  men  having  foibles  which  lessen  our  esteem. 
He  painted  from  nature." 

"  You  help  me,"  said  Constance.  "  But  I  crave 
more  than  I  find.  His  wicked  people  are  magnif 
icently  bad.  His  good  people  are  weak.  Cannot  a 
man  be  shown  magnificently  good  ?  Is  goodness 
always  weak  ?  " 

"  No.  There  are  men  who  have  as  grandly  lived 
unto  truth,  as  Richard  III.  unto  evil." 

"  Then  why  did  Shakespeare  withhold  such  ? " 

"  Perhaps  he  had  not  that  in  his  soul  which  loved 
to  glorify  the  upright  man.  Knowing  evil,  he  portr^y- 
ed  skilfully  a  large  nature  swayed  by  evil,  but  if  he 
did  not  know  the  mystery  of  the  strength  of  a  heart 
moved  upon  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  how  could  he  well 
picture  it  2 " 

"  Then  we  can  never  behold  a  drama  in  which 
nobly  good  men  may  have  a  part,  except  it  have  birth 
in  a  godly  mind  ? "  asked  Constance. 

"  That  is  my  thought,"  returned  Lord  H.  "  I  be 
lieve  Mr.  Milton  might  raise  the  drama  if  he  were  so 
minded." 

"  "Whom  could  you  find  worthy  to  be  his  heroes  ? " 

"Luther  and  Melancthon,  as  set  forth  against 
Charles  Y.  and  Rome's  creatures,  would  surpass  the 
fine  contrasts  in  Shakespeare.  Melancthon's  delicate 
fineness  of  nature  and  high  culture  beside  Luther  with 
his  strong  convictions  and  his  amazing  boldness,  de 
fying  from  the  Rock  of  Faith  the  artful  oily-tongued 
plotters  of  Rome,  at  the  Diet  of  Worms,  is  a  nobler 
13* 


298  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

scene  than  any  in  our  poet's  volumes.  I  know  another 
hero  whom  you  would  also  approve,"  said  Lord  Hun- 
tington,  looking  at  Constance  as  upon  a  beloved  pupil. 
She  gave  back  a  smile  as  she  questioned, 

"  Oliver  Cromwell  ? " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Lord  H.  warmly.  "  I  should  love 
to  know  him  dramatized  by  a  friendly  interpreter.  He 
accepted  the  leadership  of  this  people  with  the  fear  and 
the  faith  of  Moses.  He  once  said  to  me,  '  I  consented 
to  undertake  the  Protectorate  only  to  save  the  nation 
from  imminent  evil,  though  I  should  altogether  think 
any  person  titter  than  I  am.'  And  of  late  when  the 
title  of  King  was  privately  urged  upon  his  thoughts,  he 
said, '  I  am  ready  to  serve  not  as  a  King,  but  as  a  Con 
stable.  For  truly,  I  have  as  before  God  often  thought 
that  I  could  not  tell  what  my  business  was,  nor  what 
I  was  in  the  place  I  stood  in,  save  comparing  myself 
to  a  good  Constable  set  to  keep  the  peace  of  the  par 
ish.'  " 

"  And  he  has  refused  the  title  of  King  \  "  asked 
Constance. 

"  Not  publicly,  but  as  urged  in  private." 

"  Does  he  excuse  himself  worthily  ?  " 

"  Aye,  he  does.  His  reason  ran  thus.  *  God  hath 
seemed  so  to  deal  with  the  person  and  family  of  Charles 
that  he  blasted  the  very  title  of  King.  He  hath  laid 
it  in  the  dust.  I  will  not  seek  to  set  up  that  which 
Providence  hath  destroyed  and  laid  in  the  dust ;  I 
would  not  build  Jericho  again ! '  he  said." 

"  So  good  a  thought  could  not  come  out  of  a  mind 
full  of  artifice,"  said  Constance  with  enthusiasm. 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  299 

"  Yet  he  is  wise  as  a  serpent,"  answered  Lord  H. 
"  He  moulds  the  array  to  his  will,  yet  is  careful  not  to 
betray  it  to  the  jealousy  of  Parliament.  His  Ironsides 
control  men's  passions.  His  eye  is  upon  every  con 
spiracy,  but  the  arm  of  his  power  never  falls  upon  the 
mere  plotter,  and  herein  is  room  for  the  dramatist's 
skill.  He  permits  the  utmost  liberty  of  discontent  till 
it  is  fully  ripe  for  a  blow.  Behold  then  his  grim  sol 
diers  at  the  final  rendezvous,  unasked,  like  Banquo 
at  the  feast.  I  am  often  amazed  at  his  forbearance 
and  tenderness  to  the  last  moment." 

"  Does  he  not  then  live  in  pitiful  fear  of  his  life  ? " 
Constance  asked. 

"  No  soldier  would  willingly  die  by  an  assassin.  I 
believe  these  conspiracies  grieve  his  soul  most  because 
they  make  darker  the  way  in  which  he  already  gropes. 
He  often  says,  Providence  has  dealt  amazingly  with 
him  hitherto,  and  he  knows  not  how  he  shall  walk 
except  as  God  directs.  Think  you  Shakespeare  would 
have  rightly  understood  such  form  of  faith  and  forti 
tude  ? " 

"  Cromwell !  always  Cromwell !  "  exclaimed  Lady 
Grey,  approaching  them  in  her  leisurely,  idle  way. 
"  Lord  Huntington,  I  fear  you  will  plant  so  deep 
homage  for  the  Protector  in  Constance's  heart,  that 
she  will  ill  bear  my  loyalty  to  the  royal  house." 

"  I  think  it  was  well  planted  before  she  came 
hither,"  was  the  playful  reply. 

"  Doubtless  you  are  right,"  was  the  gracious  assent. 
"  But  I  must  interrupt  your  further  discourse  since 
we  are  to  drive  in  the  Park  before  returning  home." 


300  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

Saying  this,  Lady  Grey  took  leave  and  sailed  away 
to  her  carriage  with  her  protegee.  After  an  hour  in 
the  Park,  they  arrived  at  home  wearied.  On  enter 
ing  her  own  room,  Constance  wondered  at  the  fra 
grance  with  which  it  was  filled. 

"  Can  I  have  wafted  hither  in  my  garments,  the 
perfume  of  those  delicious  flowers  ? "  she  questioned. 
Then  her  eye  fell  upon  a  vase  in  the  deep  window- 
seat,  containing  the  tuberose  she  had  admired  at 
Lord  Huntington's.  A  soft  flush  stole  over  her  face 
at  sight  of  it. 

.."  What  thoughtful  kindness!  How  did  he  discov 
er  that  my  admiration  centred  upon  this  ? :'  said 
Constance  to  herself.  Then  remembering  that  he 
stood  near,  she  recalled  his  thoughtful  attitude  and 
his  smile.  "  Did  he  hear  my  words  ?  What  did  I 
utter  ?  What  ? "  she  repeated,  looking  alarmed.  "  Oh 
—it  was  of  Mary's  offering  I  spoke.  Did  I  not  say 
too  that  this  was  fittest  above  all  the  others  to  express 
pure  love  ?  And  so  truly  it  is.  Yet  I  would  he  had 
not  heard  so  much.  Perhaps  it  was  not  his  thought. 
JSTo !  no  !  But  it  doss  set  forth  the  sweetest  friend 
ship  I  ever  knew."  And  Constance  breathed  the  in 
cense  into  her  very  soul,  now  looking  with  tenderness 
upon  the  pure  flowers,  and  now,  with  a  shade  of  sad 
ness  in  her  face,  gazing  at  the  distant  meadows  beyond 
the  river,  as  was  her  habit  when  dreaming.  .There 
was  reason  for  her  dreaming  ;  more  than  Lady  Grey 
knew.  She  did  not  appreciate  the  delicate  sympa 
thy  of  Lord  Huntington,  the  interchange  of  glances, 
unsought  by  either,  yet  happening  often,  to  Constance's 


COXSTANCE   AYLMEE.  301 

confusion.  She  did  not  know  the  charm  to  Con 
stance  of  the  noble  tenderness  in  his  voice  and  manner 
and  how  strongly  it  might  appeal  to  a  heart  so  lately 
bruised.  Neither  did  it  once  occur  to  her  that  Lord 
Huntington  could  yield  to  the  unconscious  power  of 
a  simple  girl,  who,  without  coquetry,  without  the  fin 
ished  airs  of  a  court  belle,  possessed  only  a  graceful 
beauty,  a  pure  soul,  a  mind  that  soared  above  the  mim 
icries  of  fashion,  and  an  ardent  spirit  always  held  in 
durance  by  womanly  sweetness.  All  this  Lady  Grey 
counted  admirable  in  country  life,  but  as  having  little 
weight  with  a  nobleman  of  a  proud  house,  able  to 
seek  an  important  alliance.  She  believed  what  she 
had  once  told  Constance,  that  he  was  not  a  "  marrying 
man."  He  always  had  the  freedom  of  the  house,  and 
if  he  came  oftener  now  than  formerly,  it  was  because 
of  the  exciting  state  of  public  affairs ;  though  it  often 
happened  when  he  came  that  he  brought  books  for 
Constance,  or  rare  flowers  from  his  garden-house,  or 
some  of  the  wild  blue  bugloss  from  the  dry  ditches  of 
Piccadilly,  or  other  wayside  flowers  gathered  when 
he  walked  or  rode,  as  if  he  carried  her  always  in  his 
thoughts. 

The  months  passed  away  into  winter,  Lady  Grey 
still  strangely  oblivious ;  Lord  Huntington  daily  more 
earnest  in  his  devotion ;  Constance  more  conscious  of 
beholding  in  him  that  ideal  she  had  once  worshipped 
mistakingly  in  another,  and  yet  alarmed  and  shrink 
ing  from  the  conviction.  She  fought  frequent  battles 
with  herself  for  betraj'ing  this  in  her  agitation,  for 
listening  and  recognizing  his  footstep,  for  being  pow- 


302  CONSTANCE  AYLMKE. 

erless  to  withhold  the  glad  look  of  welcome,  and  for 
that  heaviness  of  spirit  that  came  when  he  was  gone 
out  of  her  presence.  Sometimes  she  questioned,  if 
he  was  amusing  himself;  for  had  not  her  aunt  assured 
her  that  he  would  seek  only  a  high  prize,  if  any? 
Then  her  pride  held  her  aloof  from  the  family  group 
when  he  came,  till  her  doubts  were  forgotten  in  the 
sweet  reception  of  some  new  token  that  she  was  su 
preme  in  his  thoughts.  How  long  this  happy  misery 
might  have  continued,  perhaps  Lord  Huntington  could 
not  have  told.  But  an  unexpected  incident  put  an 
end  to  it. 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  303 


XXIV. 

"  ST.  PAUL'S  WALK  "  was  the  fashionable  prome 
nade  for  loungers  who  vibrated  between  that  and  the 
Whitehall  galleries.  It  was  a  stately  portico,  or  cov 
ered  ambulatory,  at  the  west  end  of  the  cathedral, 
supported  by  pillars  of  the  Corinthian  order,  and 
adorned  with  the  statues  of  King  James  and  King 
Charles.  Driven  from  the  leafless  parks,  the  cavaliers 
and  belles  paced  this  walk,  and,  not  unfrequently,  the 
more  staid  parliamentarians  found  a  pleasant  rest  here 
from  the  noisy  discussion  of  politics  at  the  Turkish 
coffee-house. 

Constance,  walking  here  one  day  with  Lady  Grey, 
lingered  to  listen  to  the  musical  twang  of  a  harp 
played  by  a  blind  man.  He,  perceiving  that  some 
one  stood  near,  began  a  plaintive  ballad.  Lady  Grey 
passed  on,  and  still  Constance  stood,  forgetting  the 
presence  of  any  but  the  forlorn  singer  and  his  sweet 
instrument.  Suddenly  a  hand  touched  her  shoulder 
lightly,  and  a  voice  that  had  once  been  familiar  said, 
hesitatingly,  almost  pleadingly, 

"  Constance  Aylmer  ! " 

She  turned.  Was  it  flesh  and  blood  that  presented 
itself  to  her  sight,  or  a  vision  of  Edward  Mordaunt  ? 
She  beheld  him  amazed.  A  quick,  fiery  flush  mounted 
to  her  brow,  and  slowly  rolled  back,  leaving  her  face 
cold  and  white  as  marble.  Her  hand  rested  in  his, 


304  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

tliougli  she  did  not  know  that  she  had  offered  it. 
She  no  longer  heard  the  tinkling  of  the  music ;  the 
voices  about  her  sounded  far  off;  she  knew  not  if  she 
stood  upon  the  marble  pavement,,  or  if  the  earth  was 
moving  away  from  beneath  her.  She  only  knew  that 
Edward  Hordaunt  was  there,  and  that  a  fluttering 
pain  gathered  about  and  grasped  her  heart.  She  made 
a  strong  effort  to  control  herself,  gently  withdrew  her 
hand  and  turned  away  without  uttering  one  word, 
leaving  him  standing  alone  and  perplexed.  Not  see 
ing  Lady  Grey,  and  conscious  that  curious  eyes  were 
bent  upon  her  pale  face,  she  went  with  slow  and 
weak  steps  to  the  coach,  entered  it,  and  directed  the 
coachman  to  drive  home. 

It  was  her  old  way  to  hide  herself  when  she  suf 
fered.  She  admitted  only  Rose  to  her  room,  and  told 
her  how  to  help  her.  "When  the  pain  lessened  and 
she  rested  languidly,  she  dismissed  even  Rose.  Her 
thoughts  were  in  stormy  commotion. 

"  Why  is  Edward  Mordaunt  here  ?  "Why  should 
he  seek  me?"  she  asked.  "What  right  has  he  to 
call  me  Constance  Aylmer  in  that  old  tender  way,  or 
to  touch  my  hand  when  he  is  no  more  mine  and  I 
am  no  more  his  ?  Why  did  he  summon  a  buried  love, 
when  no  longer  free  to  seek  it?  And  why,  why  did 
the  old  enchantment  fall  upon  me  at  sight  of  his  face? 
Can  a  first-love  never  rest  in  its  grave  ?  Will  its 
spectre  always  confront  me  ?  Can  no  other  efface  it  ? 
I  thought  yesterday  it  had  been  dead  forever !  I 
would  that  we  had  not  met  this  side  of  heaven." 

Constance  lay  quite  still,  with  her  eyes  closed, 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  305 

trying  to  understand  herself  and  all  that  Lad  hap 
pened.  Two  round,  bright  drops  stole  from  under 
her  eyelids,  and  rolled  unheeded  upon  the  white  pil 
low.  Just  then  a  soft  tap  on  the  door  admitted  Rose. 
Her  face  was  shining  with  pleasure. 

"  Here  is  good  medicine,  Missus  Constance.  I 
think  the  good  Lord  hisself  sent  it,  to  comfort  you,' 
she  whispered,  displaying  at  the  same  time  a  packet 
having  Sir  Henry's  seal,  and  the  ship's  post-marks. 
She  received  and  opened  it  eagerly,  while  Rose  with 
drew.  We  will  read  it  with  her. 

w 

"  To  Constance  Aylmer: 

"  Gravesend,  10th  Dec.,  1656. 

"  My  Loving  Cousin  : — 

"  I  have  not  sooner  writ  you  since  my  exit  from 
England,  having  nothing  wherewith  to  delight  your 
knowledge  better  than  my  mother  was  able  to  give 
you.  No  more  should  I  honor  you  with  my  auto 
graph  at  this  time,  but  to  remind  you  of  one  who  was 
once  false  to  you,  yet  whose  repentance  hath  pow 
dered  his  locks  to  such  degree  that  I  am  able  to  for 
give  him. 

"  The  ship  in  which  Elsie  sailed  last  autumn,  was 
lost  at  sea,  and  only  one  sailor  fetched  himself  safely 
from  the  wreck.  My  mother  was  moved  to  send  you 
tidings  sooner,  had  not  many  held  hope  that  Elsie 
was  picked  up  by  some  Dutch  skipper  going  to  traffic 
in  the  Virginias.  But  Dame  Roosevelt  mourns  her 
as  wholly  dead,  and  Domine  Megapolensis  bewailed 
her  in  a  set  sermon  two  months  gone. 

"  Mordaunt  goes  to  England  in  the  ship  freighted 


306  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

with  these  letters.  I  wait  to  know  if  your  high  spirit 
or  your  tenderness  abide  uppermost.  He  is  a  cava 
lierly  fellow,  and  better  fit  for  your  notice  since  en 
during  with  grieved  patience  his  self-inflicted  punish 
ment.  I  wot  not  but  he  is  tamed.  I  am  loth  to  spare 
him  from  this  country,  to  which  he  will  no  more  re 
turn.  I  have  stood  his  confessor  and  shrove  him  of 
his  sins  against  you.  Errare  est  hwmamim.  'Forgive 
him  therefore. 

.  "  Send  with  dispatch  the  enclosed  to  my  tailor. 
The  dunce  made  my  doublet  half  an  ell  too  long.  I 
would  berate  him  soundly  if  he  would  lend  his  ear. 
Do  you  convey  to  him  my  good  opinion  of  his  skill 
in  finding  my  height. 

"  Vive  vale, 

HENKY  MOODY,  Bart." 

Constance  dropped  the  letter  in  dismay. 

"  What  have  I  done  !  Cruel,  cruel  girl !  "  she  ex 
claimed,  covering  her  face  with  her  hands.  "Would 
Mordaunt  go  from  London  without  seeking  her  fur 
ther  ?  Would  he  resent  her  conduct  as  of  old  ?  were 
questions  that  agitated  her.  What  could  she  do? 
She  longed  for  some  one's  wisdom  beside  her  own. 
But  where  could  she  turn  ?  To  Lady  Grey  ?  No, 
she  shrank  from  the  cold,  business-like  way  in  which 
she  would  sit  as  judge  upon  the  sacred  history,  and 
condemn  with  ridicule  an  affair  of  the  heart  which  of 
fered  no  worldly  advantage.  Could  she  ask  Lord 
Grey  ?  He  was  half  a  stranger  yet,  and  always  too 
absorbed  for  a  quiet,  fatherly  talk.  Who  was  there 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  307 

else  but  Lord  Huntiiigton  ?  Who  BO  reliable  and  so 
sympathizing  ?  In  remembering  him,  Constance  felt 
an  instinct  to  fly  to  him,  to  tell  him  all  her  perplexi 
ties,  to  rest  implicitly  in  his  judgment,  certain  to  be 
met  with  interest  and  tenderness.  The  very  thought 
of  him  quieted  her  emotion.  She  had  been  pacing 
the  floor  restlessly.  She  sat  down  to  think. 

"  He  knows  Edward  Mordatmt.  But  can  I  tell 
him  all  that  sad  history  ?  "Would  I  not  betray  Ed 
ward  in  thus  unsealing  my  lips  ?  Alas  !  I  would  not 
do  that.  Besides,  why  do  I  feel  convinced  at  this 
moment  that  he  loves  me,  and  that  therefore  I  cannot 
make  this  known  to  him.  Is  not  this  conviction 
sweet  ?  Do  I  love  both  ?  "What  am  I  ? "  said  she, 
rising  in  dismay,  and  walking  back  and  forth  greatly 
agitated.  "  Have  I  a  double  being?  Does  one  heart 
look  back  longingly  to  the  realization  of  girlish 
dreams,  and  fool  me  still  with  the  trust  that  my  hero 
was  and  is  what  my  own  fancy  painted  him  ?  Have 
I  outgrown  that  ideal?  and  does  my  other  heart 
worship  now  a  higher,  nobler  type  ?  Can  Edward 
Mordaunt  satisfy  that  other  heart  2  .  Oh !  what  am  I  ? 
How  shall  I  know  myself,  and  how  shall  I  know  to 
act  rightly  ? " 

She  stopped  before  the  window  and  looked  away, 
away,  from  herself  across  the  sea  to  beloved  Aunt 
Deborah — at  once  her  mother  and  her  counsellor. 
Then  she  remembered  what  this  best  of  earthly 
friends  had  once  told  her. 

"  There  is  none  so  wise  to  counsel  thee  as 
Jesus.  Lay  all  thy  perplexities  before  him,  and  he 


308  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

will  guide  thee  gently  out  of   them,   in   the  best 
way." 

"  Yes.  Why  not  ? "  said  Constance,  aloud.  "  Who 
knows  my  heart  so  well  ?  Who  can  so  rightly  judge 
what  is  best  in  the  future  for  me  and  for  others  ? 
Who  has  such  power  to  make  '  all  things  work  to 
gether  for  good  to  them  that  love  God.'  Tes,  I  will 
go  to  Him — my  father,  my  mother,  brother,  friend — 
all  in  One."  And  with  a  glow  of  peace  in  her  sweet 
face,  Constance  knelt. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  309 


XXY. 

IT  was  quite  true  that  the  schooner  in  which  Elsie 
Mordaunt  sailed  for  Hew  Amsterdam  was  wrecked. 
Let  us  go  back  to  the  day  of  that  event.  It  was  not 
true  that  only  one  soul  escaped.  Elsie  was  not  one 
to  yield  her  life  without  a  struggle,  or  to  be  over 
whelmed  with  despair  at  the  moment  when  her  most 
composed  sense  was  needed.  She  had  one  of  those 
natures  which  cannot  endure  with  calmness  the  little 
vexations  of  life,  but  which  rises  strong  and  self-pos 
sessed  in  important  moments.  While  her  compan 
ions  were  bewailing  the  inevitable  death  before  them, 
she  was  deliberately  calling  to  mind  all  the  means  of 
safety  of  which  she  had  ever  heard.  The  long,  low 
shore  of  New  Jersey  was  in  sight.  To  die  almost 
within  hail  of  land  was  a  thought  she  refused  to  en 
tertain.  She  was  too  ignorant  of  the  power  of  the 
great  waves  rolling  in  and  breaking  on  the  beach,  to 
fear  them  with  the  ghastly  terror  that  blanched  the 
faces  about  her.  Her  very  innocence  of  that  awful 
power,  secured  calmness.  She  knew  that  it  would  be 
useless  to  cling  to  chance  objects  floating  in  the  water, 
from  the  wreck.  Any  one  of  superior  strength  might 
clutch  them  from  her,  or  she  might  lose  her  hold  in 
a  moment  of  exhaustion.  She  resolved  therefore  to 
tie  herself  firmly  to  some  buoyant  object.  Remem 
bering  the  light  floating  of  the  little  pine  canoes 


310  CONSTANCE  AYLMEE. 

which  she  had  many  times  sailed  in  a  tub  of  water, 
to  amuse  Engle  Zwaller,  she  dragged  herself  about 
the  wet  deck,  till  she  obtained  possession  of  two  short 
boards,  and  then  entreated  a  sailor  to  bind  her  arms 
upon  them  with  small  ropes  cut  from  the  sails.  He 
served  her  well,  shaking  his  head  dolefully  while  he 
did  it. 

"  You  are  a  brave  soul,"  said  he,  "  but  these  will 
only  help  you  into  eternity.  You  will  be  sucked  into 
the  depths  of  the  sea  with  the  vessel.  If  you  rise 
again  before  the  last  trump,  you  will  be  worthy  to 
rule  the  stoutest  skipper  that  ever  sailed." 

Thus  equipped,  and  thus  sadly  condoled  with, 
Elsie  awaited  her  fate,  pale  and  shivering  at  the  stern 
possibilities  of  death.  How  many  hours  she  waited, 
she  never  knew.  A  century  of  hours  seemed  to  drag 
their  heavy  length,  passing  in  review  before  her,  as 
in  a  clear  mirror,  all  the  thoughts  and  acts  of  her  life. 
How  wasted  and  aimless  it  seemed  now !  They 
whose  piety  she  had  ridiculed,  rose  so  lofty  and  pure, 
and  worthy  to  possess  life ;  they  whose  companionship 
she  had  chosen  were  but  grovelling  souls  abased 
before  their  Maker.  She  prayed  now,  just  as  many 
around  her  prayed,  even  though  yesterday  they  were 
scoffers.  Then  she  remembered  her  mother's  tender 
ness  and  sacrifices,  and  her  own  undutiful  selfishness 
and  neglects  in  return.  Bitter  tears  fell  for  this. 
And  now  her  thoughts  went  back  to  the  little  cottage 
at  Jamestown,  and  rested  with  her  husband.  Had 
she  been  a  loving  helper  and  consoler  ?  Had  she  not 
teazed,  fretted  and  neglected  him,  seeking  her  own 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  311 

ease  and  comfort?  Had  she  not  wilfully  left  him 
when  he  desired  her  to  delay  the  voyage  a  little 
longer  ?  If  his  strong  arm  could  shield  her  now, 
what  happiness!  She  never  loved  him  as  at  this 
moment,  and  yet  it  did  not  occur  to  her  to  rejoice  that 
he  was  not  sharing  her  suffering.  But  she  promised 
herself  that  if  she  lived,  she  would  be  a  tenderer 
wife. 

And  now  came  the  dreadful  last  moments — mo 
ments  filled  with  a  giddy  sense  of  descent,  of  whirling 
black  waters,  of  appalling  cries  for  help,  when  there 
was  no  help.  With  one  long-drawn  breath,  a  moment 
of  instinctive  resistance  and  of  horror,  and  she  was 
engulfed  in  the  cold  depths.  In  the  midst  of  strug 
gles,  and  but  half  conscious  from  intense  suffering  of 
soul  and  body,  she  still  had  thought  and  vigor  enough 
to  turn  her  arms  in  such  way  that  the  boards  to  which 
she  was  bound  should  not  offer  resistance  to  rising  to 
the  surface.  Slowly,  buoyantly,  she  felt  herself  as 
cending.  What  joy  when  she  emerged  struggling, 
and  reached  up,  as  if  she  would  bound  into  the  blessed 
light  and  air  !  But  she  discovered  that  these  efforts 
would  bring  speedy  death.  She  then  rested  quietly, 
suffering  herself  to  float  with  her  arms  extended.  She 
soon  saw  the  shore  growing  firmer  in  outline,  felt  her 
self  tossing  nearer  and  nearer  for  hours,  and  at  last, 
almost  suffocated  in  the  breaking  surf,  was  flung  upon 
the  shore,  dragged  back  by  a  retreating  wave,  then 
tossed  again  nearly  lifeless  on  the  beach.  The  boards 
caught  against  the  stones,  and  anchored  her.  Still, 
dashed  upon  with  fury  by  the  thundering  surf,  she 


312  CONSTANCE   AYLMER, 

slowly  but  resolutely  crept  beyond  its  reach,  and 
dropped  exhausted  and  insensible. 

When- Elsie  opened  her  eyes,  the  sun  was  shining 
in  her  face,  and  an  Indian  woman  stooped  beside  her, 
endeavoring  to  loosen  the  pendant  ear-rings  from  her 
ears. 

"Thank  God  1  Thank  God !  Saved!  Saved!" 
she  exclaimed,  feebly.  The  woman  started  back  from 
the  reanimated  body  with  affright,  but  Elsie  entreated 
her  not  to  leave  her.  The  words  had  no  meaning  to 
the  woman's  ear,  but  the  language  of  the  pleading 
face  could  not  be  mistaken.  She  hesitated,  and  then, 
as  if  prompted  by  some  thought  of  advantage,  freed 
her  arms  from  the  cords,  and  wrapped  her  in  her  own 
mantle.  Then  swinging  upon  her  back  a  basket 
partly  filled  with  broken  shells,  she  lifted  Elsie  in  her 
stout  arms,  and  carried  her  over  a  dreary  waste  of 
sand,  made  more  dreary  by  the  long,  coarse  grass 
waving  in  the  wind.  She  followed  an  inlet,  entered 
a  forest  fragrant  of  pine,  and  presently  crossing  a 
narrow  stream,  laid  Elsie  down  in  a  wigwam,  upon  a 
pile  of  mats  and  skins. 

Elsie  yielded  like  a  child  to  all  that  her  rude  nurse 
now  prescribed,  wearing  a  wolf-skin  robe,  and  drink 
ing  a  broth  of  which  she  neither  dared  nor  cared  to 
know  the  ingredients.  A  day  or  two  sufficed  to  re 
vive  her,  and  by  the  time  the  master  of  the  lodge 
came  home,  she  had  recovered  her  old  vigor  and 
elasticity  of  spirits. 

Home  occupied  all  her  thoughts.  To  discover  on 
what  part  of  the  coast  she  had  been  thrown,  and  the 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  313 

distance  to  Manhattan,  and  to  persuade  the  silent  old 
Indian  to  pilot  her  through  the  wilderness,  was  her 
daily  effort,  always  baffled.  To  all  her  questions  and 
gestures  he  replied  with  a  puff  of  smoke  or  a  low 
growl.  She  chattered  persistently,  determined  to 
teach  him  her  language  by  repetition,  till  he  could 
answer.  Sometimes,  in  her  old  capricious  moods,  she 
tied  up  a  bundle,  mounted  it  on  her  shoulder  upon  a 
stick,  wrapped  herself  in  mantle  and  moccasins,  and 
shouting,  "  Home  !  Home !  Manhattan  !  Manhat 
tan  ! "  strove  to  make  her  captors  understand  her 
wishes.  But  these  stoics  mildly  refused  to  under 
stand.  She  dared  not  venture  away  alone.  It  was 
of  no  avail  to  lose  her  temper  and  throw  down  her 
bundle,  or  to  weep  like  a  homesick  child.  She  learned 
that  to  submit  to  her  fate  peaceably,  was  her  wisest 
behavior.  But  to  submit  to  serve,  she  would  not. 
The  squaw  endeavored  in  vain  to  force  her  to  bring 
water  from  the  stream,  or  fagots  for  the  fire.  She 
resolutely  refused,  and  commanded  service  in  her  turn 
with  such  tumultuous  energy,  that  the  solemn  old 
guardian  of  the  lodge  verily  laughed,  and  permitted 
her  to  rule. 

Dreary  weeks  went  by,  and  still  Elsie  was  an  un 
willing  prisoner.  She  found  amusement  in  making  a 
mantle  of  soft  deer-skin  for  the  approaching  winter, 
and  ornamenting  it  with  quills  and  bright  bird 
feathers,  in  Indian  fashion.  She  was  skilful  in  the 
use  of  the  thorn-needles,  and  pleased  the  squaw,  who 
patiently  hunted  them  for  her,  by  embroidering  a  pair 
of  moccasins  with  fibres  of  bark  twisted  and  stained 
14 


314  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

with  bright  colors.  She  sometimes  chose  to  prepare 
meats  in  a  savory  mode,  or  to  string  oysters  to  smoke 
and  dry  for  winter  use.  She  learned  to  weave  mats 
too,  varying  and  beautifying  them  to  a  degree  that 
astonished  her  keepers.  She  had  never  been  so  indus 
trious  in  her  life,  never  so  patient,  so  helpful.  Food 
had  never  been  so  delicious,  sleep  never  so  "sweet. 
Yet  she  yearned  to  take  wings  like  a  bird  and  fly  over 
the  space  that  divided  her  from  her  own  people.  Did 
they  believe  her  lost  ?  Would  they  mourn  for  her 
long  ?  Would  Mordaunt  deeply  grieve  when  he  heard 
of  her  death?  She  wondered  what  the  neighbors 
would  say,  and  if  the  Domine  would  preach  about 
her,  and  if  they  would  weep,  and  if  her  mother  would 
walk  home  talking  mournfully  of  her.  Wouldn't  she 
frighten  them  all  when  she  walked  in  some  day ! 
that  happy  day  of  escape  that  must  come  soon.  How 
many  miles  lay  between  her  and  I^ew  Amsterdam  2 
One  hundred  ?  sixt}'  ?  thirty  ?  Only  thirty,  perhaps 
only  thirty!  Could  she  not  dare  to  try  the  distance 
alone  ? 

Possibly,  in  her  eager  longings,  she  might  have 
cast  her  fate  in  the  attempt,  had  not  an  incident 
prevented.  A  band  of  Indians  from  the  north  arrived 
in  the  camp,  and,  as  Elsie  had  done  before  at  sight  of 
every  stranger,  she  went  quickly  among  them  and 
appealed,  like  a  child,  from  one  to  another. 

"Manhattan  !  Manhattan  !  "  she  cried,  eagerly 
questioning  in  Dutch  and  English,  if  they  would  take 
her  home.  One  nodded  his  head,  replying, 

"  lyano  speaks  Inglis."     With  a  cry  of  joy,  Elsie 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  315 

almost  threw  herself  in  his  arms.  "Would  he  rescue 
her  ?  Might  she  travel  with  his  baud  ? 

"  She  can  go  to  the  Manhattas.  lyano's  lodge  is 
there." 

"lyano!"  exclaimed  Elsie,  in  strong  excitement, 
"  I  know  the  name.  I  have  heard  Lady  Moody 
speak  it." 

"  The  good  mother  is  the  friend  of  lyano." 

"And  do  you  know  New  Amsterdam?  and  my 
father  and  mother  and  the  Director  and  them  all  ?  " 

"  Ugh  !  The  white  daughter  may  find  them.  She 
go  with  the  Massapequas,"  replied  lyano.  Elsie  saw 
the  talk  was  done.  She  fled  to  her  hut,  threw  herself 
upon  her  bed  of  moss,  and  cried  with  frantic  joy. 
Then  she  sprang  up,  danced  around  the  astonished 
squaw,  hugged  her,  and  put  in  her  ears  the  long- 
coveted  ear-rings.  And  now  she  tied  moccasins  on 
her  own  feet,  fastened  on  her  half-finished  mantle, 
and  took  her  station  in  front  of  the  lodge  to  watch 

• 

the  new-comers,  lest  by  any  chance  they  should  move 
away  without  her  knowledge.  They  remained  all 
day  and  all  night.  She  did  not  sleep.  She  lay  down 
to  rest,  but  at  every  sound  sprang  to  her  feet  and 
parted  the  mats  that  hung  at  the  opening  of  the  hut, 
to  peer  out.  At  dawn,  she  saw  them  astir.  Fearing 
lest  she  should  be  forcibly  detained,  she  made  haste 
to  station  herself  near  them. 

A  light  snow  covered  the  ground.  The  bare 
limbs  of  the  oaks  reached  out  among  the  green  tufts 
of  the  pines  as  if  for  shelter  and  warmth.  Curling 
wreaths  of  smoke  went  rip  from  the  camp-fire  and 


316  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

sailed  slowly  among  their  tops.  A  rude  kettle  hung 
upon  cross-sticks  over  the  coals,  and,  hovering  over 
this  steaming  caldron  and  dipping  out  portions  of 
meat  with  a  gourd,  was  an  ancient  witch-like  woman 
in  a  gay  calico  kirtle  and  a  necklace  of  copper 
triangles.  Swarthy  men  gathered  about  the  tire, 
sharpening  arrow-flints  or  tearing  hot  venison  with 
their  fingers.  ISTo  one  noticed  Elsie,  who  sat  upon  a 
log  near  by,  too  full  of  anxious  fears  and  hopes  to 
think  of  her  need  of  food.  lyano,  seeing  her,  brought 
a  piece  of  venison  on  a  clean  piece  of  bark,  reminding 
her  that  the  Massapequas  had  "  long  moccasins,""  and 
would  go  far  that  day.  Thus  refreshed  after  her 
wakeful  night,  she  was  eager  to  go,  and  felt  that  she 
could  bound  like  the  roe  in  the  path.  When  the  band 
began  to  depart  in  single  file,  Elsie  looked  back  at 
the  lodge  where  she  had  spent  the  long  weeks  of 
autumn.  The  squaw  stood  there  gazing  at  her  and 
the  departing  guests.  Elsie  would  have  gone  to  her, 
had  she  dared.  She  waved  her  hand  and  cried  out, 

"  Good  Monitawa !  You  brought  me  home  and 
gave  me  shelter.  The  white  people  will  reward  you." 
Then  turned  to  lyano  with  the  sudden  question, 
"  Will  she  believe  I  am  cursing  or  blessing  her?" 
"  Me  say  Good  Spirit  bless  her  for  you,"  answered 
lyano,  motioning  to  the  woman  and  repeating  what 
he  would  say  in  her  own  language.  And  so  Elsie 
turned  away  contented,  and  disappeared  blithely  be 
tween  the  black  and  scraggy  trunks  of  the  closest  trees 
of  the  forest.  She  had  vague  notions  of  what  this 
journey  might  be.  The  first  day's  vigor  could  not  last 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEE.  317 

well,  but  she  had  indomitable  resolution,  and  so  long 
as  the  hope  of  home  was  held  before  her,  could  suffer 
cold  and  hunger  and  weariness  to  the  last  degree.  We 
will  not  follow  her  in  the  painful  slowness  of  the  tor 
tuous  journey,  beaten  upon  by  rain  and  sleet,  torn  by 
wayside  thorns,  her  feet  bruised  and  swollen,  and  her 
limbs  aching  from  exertion  beyond  her  strength, 
lyano  bound  thick  skins  over  her  torn  moccasins,  and 
halted  to  give  her  rest,  encouraging  her  with  recount 
ing  the  number  of  "  sleeps  "  to  Manhattan.  "While 
she  is  toiling  toward  home,  we  may  go  in  advance  and 
discover  the  events  that  precede  her  coming. 


318  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 


XXYI. 

BEFORE  daybreak,  on  the  morning  when  Elsie  be 
gan  her  journey,  a  fleet  of  sixty  canoes,  filled  with 
Indians,  crossed  the  bay  of  Manhattan,  floated  noise 
lessly  under  the  very  walls  of  the  Fort  of  New  Amster 
dam,  and  eifeeted  a  landing  without  one  signal  of 
alarm.  Director  Stuyvesant  had  gone  with  his  small 
army  to  subdne  the  Swedes  at  Fort  Cassamir.  The 
town  was  not  in  a  state  of  defence.  The  cannon  in 
the  Fort  were  useless,  the  palisades  broken,  the  gates 
open,  the  sentinels  asleep  at  their  posts.  Many  house 
holders  were  gone  with  the  Director,  and  those  who 
remained,  contented  themselves  with  barring  their 
doors,  and  slept  in  unsuspecting  security. 

The  first  knowledge  of  danger  was  in  a  noisy  sum 
mons  at  the  doors  of  many  domicils  for  entrance,  on 
pretence  of  searching  for  fugitive  Indians.  The  occu 
pants  awoke  out  of  sleep  to  find  themselves  surrounded 
by  a  dreaded  enemy.  The  street  was  filled  with  these 
savages  peering  everywhere,  to  discover  the  weakness 
or  know  the  strength  of  their  victims,  hoping  to  find 
men  and  guns  gone,  and  the  town  secure  for  plunder. 
One  gun  was  sufficient  to  put  a  dozen  of  these  cruel 
cowards  to  flight.  On  the  other  hand,  any  sign  of  fear 
on  the  part  of  the  inhabitants  would  invite  an  attack. 
Women  summoned  all  their  heroism  and  forbade  en 
trance  to  their  houses,  and  men  sternly  expelled  those 


COKSTASTCE   AYLMEIJ.  319 

who  Lad  obtained  admittance.  The  Vice-Director  and 
the  Council  assembled  as  soon  as  possible  in  the  Fort, 
and  gave  orders  for  such  defence  as  could  be  stealthily 
prepared. 

Herr  Roosevelt  had  gone  with  the  Director.  Dame 
Roosevelt  was  alone  with  a  slave  woman,  and  returned 
to  her  bed  sick  with  fright,  after  barring  shutters  and 
doors.  The  servant  nursed  her  alarms  with  occasional 
reports  of  all  that  could  be  seen  through  the  loop-holes 
in  the  shutters. 

Burgomaster  Zwaller  was  also  away  with  the  army. 
At  daylight,  old  Mabel  answered  the  thundering  sum 
mons  at  the  door,  rolled  up  her  eyes  at  sight  of  the 
visitors,  dropped  the  latch  and  stood  transfixed  and 
helpless.  Down  the  stairs  and  into  the  fire-lit  room 
stalked  Dame  Zwaller.  Masculine  in  her  tread,  straight 
and  tall  as  the  best  of  the  warriors  before  her,  carry 
ing  a  gun  in  her  hand  and  stern  determination  in  her 
face,  she  was  an  object  of  fear  to  the  intruders,  though 
a  woman.  Striking  the  butt  of  the  gun  upon  the 
floor,  she  pointed  to  the  door  and  commanded  them  to 
go,  with  the  air  of  an  offended  general  marching  out 
a  clan  of  mutinous  soldiers.  One  or  two  skulked 
away,  others  lingered,  glancing  with  covetous  eyes  at 
the  row  of  pewter  shining  on  the  shelf.  The  gun  was 
lifted  significantly.  Dame  Zwaller  fearlessly  came 
nearer,  and  her  sharp  eyes  and  sharper  voice  repeated 
the  command.  This  time  with  effect.  The  room  was 
cleared  instantly  and  the  door  closed  upon  them  with 
a  vigorous  sound  that  quickened  the  heels  of  the  last 
goer,  as  if  he  believed  it  the  report  of  the  gun. 


320  CONSTANCE    AYLilEK. 

"  My  God  !  spare  us  from  horrors  this  day  !  "  she 
exclaimed,  when  she  saw  at  sunrise  a  horde  of  war- 
painted  Indians  lounging  in  the  street.  "  The  Al 
mighty  alone  holds  them  from  springing  upon  us, 
Mabel.  With  His  help  we  are  our  own  defenders  to 
day." 

Dame  Zwaller  meant  to  save  her  children  and  her 
house.  She  therefore  put  her  house  in  order  for  de 
fence,  barricaded,  provided  water  in  every  part,  and 
caused  Mabel  to  gather  the  marred  pewter -plates  and 
mugs,  while  she  sat  by  the  fire  with  poor  little 
frightened  Perle  and  Engle,  moulding  bullets.  She 
had  intense  fears  for  Barbara.  The  marauders  would 
attack  the  bowery  before  night,  doubtless.  Was  Bal- 
tazzar  on  the  alert  ?  Their  chance  of  escape  was 
small.  The  Fort,  the  few  soldiers,  and  the  armed 
towns-people  might  intimidate  the  enemy;  but  the 
solitary  farmers  could  offer  less  resistance.  If  the 
savages  did  not  get  blood  here,  they  would  seek  it 
there.  But  who  could  give  warning?  Mabel  was 
too  old ;  Minxey  would  die  with  fright.  Engle  was 
a  brave  little  fellow,  who  would  not  shrink  from 
what  his  mother  commanded;  but  how  was  she  to 
spare  this  only  son,  this  best  of  all  her  treasures. 
Then  Barbara,  murdered,  rose  before  her  eyes.  Her 
heart  leaped  from  one  to  the  other.  She  trembled 
and  gave  great  sighs,  still  busily  casting  the  bullets. 
Suddenly  her  face  lighted.  She  lifted  herself  from 
her  work.  « 

"  Engle,  you  know  how  to  use  a  gun.1" 

"  Yes,  I  do  !  "  he  answered  proudly. 


CONSTANCE    AYLMER.  321 

"  This  is  too  heavy  for  you,"  said  she,  thought 
fully,  handling  the  one  that  had  noiselessly  helped 
her  fight  her  first  battle.  She  went  into  the  loft,  and 
after  some  search,  found  a  carabine.  .Returning  with 
it,  she  said, 

"  This  you  can  use,  and  thus."  Giving  him  a 
chair  to  mount,  she  taught  him  how  to  place  the 
weapon  in  the  crescent  cut  in  each  of  the  wooden 
shutters  to  admit  light.  She  bade  him  fire  from  each 
window  in  succession,  in  case  of  attack,  by  which 
method  a  host  would  seem  to  resist. 

"  For,"  said  she,  "  Engle,  I  shall  leave  you  sole 
defender  of  your  sister,  of  Mabel,  and  your  father's 
property,  while  I  go  to  the  bowery  and  warn  Baltaz- 
zar.  Can  you  do  this  ?  " 

"  I  can,  mother !  "  said  Engle,  standing  straight 
as  an  arrow,  while  his  cheeks  and  lips  blanched  at 
the  thought  of  acting  the  real  soldier  which  he  had 
so  often  played. 

Dame  Zwaller  said  no  more,  donned  her  wrap 
pings,  took  the  gun  in  her  hand,  bade  Mabel  bar  the 
door  behind  her,  and  walked  forth  into  the  street. 
Engle's  heart  sank  within  him  when  he  saw  his 
mother  go  out  among  those  cruel  Indians.  He  looked 
a  frozen  image  of  terror,  which  the  blazing  fire  had 
no  power  to  melt,  while  he  crouched  on  the  hearth 
beside  Perle,  waiting  for  the  dreaded  yells  which 
would  signify  the  attack.  Two  endless  hours  those 
poor  children  sat  listening  to  every  sound.  Would 
their  mother  ever  come  back  ? 

The  gate  opened  at  last.     Footsteps  came  nearer. 


322  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

"Was  it  the  enemy  ?  Engle  stood  up  straight  and 
brave  and  pale,  and  fixed  his  eyes  on  the  loaded 
carabine.  The  tramp  was  near  the  door.  Knock ! 
knock!  knock! 

"  Mabel,  it  is  I !  "  Engle  sprang  forward  with  a 
glad  cry,  and  helped  let  down  the  bar.  As  Dame 
Zwaller  entered,  he  sprang  into  her  arms,  weeping 
because  he  had  recovered  his  mother  unharmed.  She 
sat  down  exhausted  and  faint.  As  Mabel  brought 
her  a  glass  of  wine,  she  whispered, 

u  Herr  Yan  Spuyt  is  killed.  I  saw  some  arrows 
shot.  They  are  getting  bolder.  I  would  not  venture 
forth  again  with  my  life  in  my  hand."  Then  speak 
ing  louder,  she  added,  "But  Baltazzar  is  warned,  and 
I  hope,  saved.  He  is  gathering  in  his  flocks." 

It  was  true  that  one  citizen  had  lost  his  life,  and 
that  the  Indians,  becoming  aware  how  poorly  the 
town  was  defended,  began  to  show  signs  of  hostility. 
Within  the  Fort,  secret  preparations  had  been  going 
on  during  the  day.  The  citizens  had  determined  to 
venture  all  in  one  strategic  movement.  There  were 
several  soldiers  in  the  Fort,  a  few  negroes,  one  or  two 
prisoners,  Nicholas  Stuyvesant,  the  Vice-Director  De 
Sille,  and  some  members  of  the  Council,  besides  a 
few  citizens  who  had  stolen  in  from  time  to  time ;  in 
all  a  company  of  forty,  to  oppose  to  a  band  of  three 
hundred  Indians.  To  these  was  presently  added  lit 
tle  Lisbet,  who,  in  a  fit  of  uncontrollable  terror,  scaled 
the  wall  of  the  Fort  that  hemmed  in  her  garden,  and 
rolled  over  the  parapet  into  the  court-yard,  with  the 
agility  and  velocity  of  her  own  pet  cat. 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  323 

This  mimic  army,  well  provided  with  ammunition, 
hoped,  with  the  aid  of  a  big  drum  and  fife,  to  save 
New  Amsterdam.  Councillor  De  Sille  strove  first  to 
induce  the  Indians  to  leave  the  town,  by  friendly  en 
treaties,  then  by  commands,  and,  as  the  day  wore 
a,way,  by  threats,  which  he  presently  put  into  execu 
tion.  Attracting  them  near  the  Fort,  he  gave  a  signal, 
the  gates  were  suddenly  thrown  open,  and,  with  all 
possible  noise  of  fife  and  drum  and  rapid  firing,  the 
little  army  sallied  impetuously  out  of  the  Fort.  The 
savages,  believing  a  whole  army  pouring  out  upon 
them,  turned  and  fled  swiftly  to  the  water's  edge, 
pushed  off  the  canoes,  sprang  in  and  plied  their  pad 
dles  with  amazing  vigor ;  while  the  soldiers,  excited 
by  success,  continued  noisily  firing  after  the  fugitives. 
The  shouts  of  victory  and  the  rolling  of  the  drums 
sounded  through  all  the  town,  till  long  after  night 
fall.  Metje  Wessell's  inn  was  crowded  with  beer-drink 
ing  customers,  congratulating  themselves  on  escape, 
and  applauding  the  Councillor's  wonderful  wisdom. 

But  before  long,  red  flames  began  to  light  up  all 
the  regions  about  them — an  awful  sight  to  those  who 
understood  what  horrors  those  lurid  flames  represent 
ed.  Baltazzar  Stuyvesant  saw  them  and  knew  what 
cruel  work  had  begun.  At  what  moment  the  Indians 
might  row  up  the  river  and  lay  his  own  home  in 
ashes  he  did  not  know.  Nicholas  sent  a  message  en 
treating  him  to  abandon  the  bowery,  and  take  refuge 
with  his  family  in  the  Fort.  Baltazzar  sent  back  word 
to  come  and  help  him  defend  it.  But  this  Nicholas 
had  no  thought  of  doing. 


324  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

Baltazzar  knew  what  orders  his  father  would  issue 
if  at  home.  He  was  not  willing  to  sacrifice  his  favor 
ite  bowery,  and  valuable  imported  stock,  when  by 
prompt  and  courageous  measures  all  might  be  saved. 
He  felt  the  responsibilities  of  his  stewardship  more 
than  his  personal  danger,  and  determined  to  remain. 
But  his  wife  and  boy  must  be  sheltered  in  the  town, 
whither  many  were  already  flocking  from  their  iso 
lated  homes.  He  went  to  seek  Barbara. 

"  I  cannot  leave  you,  Baltazzar,"  was  her  reply. 
"  But  you  must ! "  said  he,  surprised  at  the  unex 
pected  opposition. 

"If  you  are  to  die,  I  shall  die  with  you,"  she  said. 
"  But  our  boy,  Barbara  ! " 

"  We  Avill  die  together.  I  will  not  go  to  the  Fort 
without  you." 

"  What  madness  !  You  must  go,"  he  repeated,  al 
most  doubting  if  she  was  in  her  right  senses  to  offer 
such  disobedience — she,  the  ever  dutiful  wife. 

"  Go  with  me,  then,"  she  entreated.  "  Your  life 
is  worth  more  to  me  than  land  or  house  or  gold." 

"  I  cannot  forsake  what  my  father  has  committed 
to  me.  A  hired  servant  is  sometimes  faithful  to  his 
post.  How  much  more  then  will  my  father  look  for 
my  dutiful  service  ?  I  cannot  fly  like  a  coward,  when 
I  know  that  the  bold  action  of  a  few  may  keep  many 
savages  at  bay.  I  shall  stay." 

"  Then  I  shall  stay  also,"  cried  Barbara,  throwing 
her  arms  around  her  husband's  neck.     "I  will  not 
cry  or  shrink  from  service.     I  can  load  the  guns." 
"  But  our  child,  Barbara  !  our  child  !  "  exclaimed 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  325 

Baltazzar,  vacillating  "between  anger  and  love  at  the 
conduct  of  his  wife.  "  My  anxiety  for  you  both  will 
distract  me  when  I  need  deliberate  coolness." 

"  Is  my  love  for  you  less  than  your  duty  to  your 
father,  that  I  should  forsake  you  ?  No  !  Your  choice 
is  -mine  also.  Send  for  soldiers!  send  for  soldiers! 
The  Councillor  will  not  deny  enough  for  the  protec 
tion  of  the  Director's  bowery,"  said  Barbara,  parry 
ing  the  debate  with  a  woman's  quickness. 

"Send  for  soldiers?"  repeated  Baltazzar,  revolving 
the  thought.  "  I  will  try  that,"  said  he  after  a  mo 
ment.  "  If  they  are  refused  me,  do  you  promise  then 
to  take  refuge  in  the  Fort  ? " 

"  Yes,"  said  Barbara,  smiling  through  her  tears. 
Baltazzar  put  his  arms  around  her,  kissed  her  ten 
derly,  stooped  to  kiss  their  sleeping  boy,  and  went  out 
to  send  a  messenger  to  De  Sille. 

Before  midnight,  seven  French  soldiers  were  per 
forming  picket  duty  on  the  Stuyvesant  farm,  and  sev 
eral  negroes  were  stationed  in  or  near  the  house. 
Baltazzar  watched,  from  the  highest  point  he  could 
mount,  the  flames  which  marked  the  progress  and  di 
rection  taken  by  the  Indians.  The  wretched  bonfires 
of  homes  on  Staten  Island  had  faded  out,  and  new 
lights  shone  on  Long  Island,  in  the  direction  of 
Gravesend  and  New  Utrecht,  so  that  hope  grew 
strong  that  the  bowery  was  exempt  this  night  from 
attack.  But  Baltazzar  groaned  as  he  thought  of  the 
suffering  friends  there  whom  he  had  no  power  to  help. 

The  next  day,  the  Council  of  'New  Amsterdam 
sent  a  messenger  to  summon  the  Director  home,  and 


326  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

gave  orders  for  the  immediate  strengthening  of  the 
fortifications,  and  the  obtaining  of  serviceable  cannon 
to  replace  that  which  had  become  useless,  even  for 
holiday  service.  No  sentinel  slept  at  his  post  now,  no 
breaches  were  to  be  left  in  the  palisades  to  tempt 
prowlers,  and  both  land  and  water  gate  were  faith 
fully  secured  at  sunset. 

One  morning,  while  repairs  were  still  going  on,  a 
slender  canoe,  containing  an  Indian  and  apparently  a 
young  squaw,  shot  over  the  water  in  front  of  the 
Fort,  bent  'toward  the  landing.  A  French  sentinel 
paced  the  parapet  of  the  Fort.  He  believed  it  treason 
to  the  city  to  permit  a  red-skin  to  enter  it.  He  had 
failed  in  his  duty  before,  and  he  intended  to  obey  the 
new  regulations  with  military  exactness.  Besides, 
every  savage  ought  to  die  after  such  outrages  as  had 
been  perpetrated  by  them  on  the  inhabitants  of  Long 
Island.  He  therefore  shouted  fiercely  at  the  passing 
boatman. 


The  Indian  looked  up,  unable  to  understand. 

"  Arretez  !  "  he  shouted  again,  angrily.  lyano, 
for  it  was  he,  rested  an  instant  on  his  oars,  but  still 
understanding  nothing,  lifted  the  paddles  again  and 
with  a  skilful  sweep  darted  his  canoe  toward  the 
shore. 

"  Mourez  !  fils  du  didble  !  "  cried  the  soldier,  lift 
ing  his  gun.  A  bullet  sped  straight  to  lyano.  He 
fell  back  in  the  canoe  with  a  groan. 

"  Jesus,  I  die  !  The  Inglis  kill  his  friend  !  "  -  Elsie 
gave  a  shriek  of  pain  and  fear  at  the  sight.  She  for- 


CONSTANCE   AYLMEK.  027 

got  to  sieze  the  oars,  and  grasped  the  sides  of  the 
boat,  uttering  screams  of  horror.  The  canoe  gently 
drifted  away  on  the  out-going  tide.  lyano  opened 
his  eyes  and  looked  mournfully  at  Elsie.  He  strove  to 
rise,  but  could  not. 

"  I  die !  "  said  he.  "  Tell  my  people  no  hurt  the 
Inglis.  Tell  the  good  mother  make  the  great  book 
talk  to  my  people.  lyano  go  see  Jesus.  He  shine 
for  me  !  He  come  ! "  His  lips  still  moved,  but  Elsie 
could  hear  no  more.  Her  heart-rending  cries  brought 
some  frightened  workmen  to  the  shore.  One  kinder 
than  the  rest,  put  off  in  a  boat^  overtook  the  canoe, 
took  it  in  tow  and  slowly  rowed  back  to  shore.  By 
this  time  a  crowd  had  gathered.  Elsie  sprang  out  of 
the  canoe  into  the  boat  and  from  that  bounded  to  the 
shore,  unrecognized  by  any  in  her  uncouth  dress. 

"  You  have  killed  lyano  ! "  she  exclaimed,  indig 
nantly.  "  He  was  our  good  friend.  He  brought  me 
home.  He  was  tender  as  a  brother — dear,  kind  lyano  ! 
And  you  have  killed  him,"  she  said,  with  streaming 
tears.  The  listeners  heard  with  astonishment  this 
young  squaw  speak  to  them  in  their  own  language. 

"  Do  you  not  know  me  ?  I  am  Elsie  Roosevelt. 
Where  is  my  father  ?  " 

"  Elsie  Roosevelt !  Elsie  Roosevelt ! "  exclaimed 
many  voices.  Had  not  the  Domine  buried  her  with 
decent  obsequies  long  ago  2  How  had  she  arisen  out 
of  her  watery  grave  ?  The  news  flew  hither  and  thith 
er  while  Elsie  went  with  flying  steps  to  her  father's 
house.  Dame  Roosevelt  stood  looking,  from  the  win 
dow,  wondering  what  al]  the  stir  was  about  down  by 


328  CONSTANCE  AYLMEK. 

the  water-gate.  Then  she  watched  a  squaw  half  run 
ning,  followed  by  a  troop  of  gazers.  The  squaw  was 
coming  toward  the  house.  She  stopped  at  the  gate — 
opened,  entered  it,  ran  to  the  dp-or. 

"  What  can  ail  the  poor  creature  ?  "  said  the  fright 
ened  dame.  Then  seeing  her  nearer,  cried,  "How 
like  Elsie  she  looks !  Like  my  poor,  lost  Elsie !  " 
This  so  touched  her  feelings  that  she  went  quickly 
and  opened  the  door.  Her  heart  almost  leaped  out 
of  her  frail  body  at  the  sight  and  the  words  that  met 
her. 

"  Mother  !  mother !  "  cried  Elsie,  throwing  her 
arms  around  her  mother's  neck  and  sobbing  like  a 
child.  Thus  we  leave  them  to  weep  together  in  their 
joy  and  to  recount  all  that  had  filled  up  those  months 
of  living  burial. 

The  tidings  quickly  spread  through  the  town. 
Many  continually  went  to  and  fro  to  welcome  and 
congratulate  Elsie,  to  mourn  over  the  tragedy,  or  to 
express  fear  of  the  consequences.  At  last,  the  Yice- 
Director  caused  the  body  of  lyano  to  be  carried  to 
the  Stadt  Huys  and  laid  in  state.  He  sent  messen 
gers  to  the  Massapequas  and  to  Lady  Moody.  Sir 
Henry  came  the  next  day,  much  excited  by  the  events, 
and  even  more  deeply  agitated  at  Elsie's  return  than 
at  lyano's  death.  Why,  no  one  knew  but  himself.  He 
made  eager  inquiries  as  to  when  a  ship  would  sail, 
and  sought  the  captain  of  the  earliest  one  outward 
bound,  offering  him  a  large  reward  to  sail  without 
waiting  for  a  full  cargo. 

When  he  met  Elsie,  she  asked  him  with  a  keen 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  329 

look  and  .nervous  agitation  if  be  knew  Mordaunt's 
plans,  or  why  he  went  to  England  so  suddenly. 

"Perhaps  he  would  not  have  gone  if  I  had  arrived 
sooner,"  said  she.  .  "  Will  it  be  very  long  before  he 
conies  back  ?"  There  was  a  new,  subdued  air  about 
Elsie  that  touched  Sir  Henry's  feelings,  knowing  all 
that  he  did  of  her  husband.  But  he  replied  viva 
ciously, 

"  Yes,  I  know  his  plans.  He  will  return  by  the 
time  the  robins  tune  their  throats.  What  a  roundelay 
we  shall  have  within  and  without ! "  Elsie  smiled 
sadly  and  by  and  by  asked  about  Constance  Aylmer. 
Sir  Henry  divined  her  thought.  He  replied, 

"I  doubt  me  if  she  ever  returns  to  America.  My 
mother  rejoiced  but  yesterday  that  she  was  removed 
hence,  and  that  her  tender  heart  did  not  suffer  the 
horrors  we  have  witnessed  at  Gravesend.  I  think, 
too,"  he  continued  in  a  confidential  tone,  "  there  is 
one  who  will  never  permit  Constance  to  leave  Eng 
land,  if  my  eyes  saw  aright  while  I  abode  there."  Sir 
Henry  may  be  forgiven  this  last  remark,  since  he  said 
it  for  the  sake  of  lifting  a  load  from  Elsie's  mind. 
And  it  did  remove  her  fears,  and  helped  her  wait 
trustingly  for  her  husband's  return. 

Sir  Henry  went  back  to  Metje  Wessell's  inn,  and, 
shutting  himself  up,  penned  two  letters  which  he 
hoped  would  follow  quickly  in  the  wake  of  the  ship 
in  which  Mordaunt  had  sailed  two  weeks  before.  We 
will  glance  at  only  one  of  them. 


330  CONSTAXOE   AYLMEK. 

New  Amsterdam,  24th  Dec.,  1656. 

DEAR  MOEDAUNT. 

May  the  winds  that  speed  this  to  you,  hold  you  in 
durance,  and  so  quit  you  from  the  danger  of  the  law 
to  whose  righteous  clutches  you  are  likely  to  innocent 
ly  commit  yourself,  for  polygamy.  Even  if  you  reach 
England  prior  to  this,  I  trust  in  Constance's  shyness 
and  good  sense  to  hinder  a  hasty  betrothal  or  publish 
ing  of  bans — quod  avertat  Deus  ! 

Your  wife,  Elsie,  hath  arisen  out  of  the  grave  to 
which  she  was  consigned  with  many  tears.  I  believe 
you  will  not  reproach  her  for  this,  since  the  timeliness 
of  her  appearing  will  save  you  some  sorrowful  appeal 
to  the  courts.  Her  sufferings  in  passing  through  the 
wilderness  must  touch  your  pitiful  love,  and  I  think 
you  will  find  her  trained  by  her  trials  into  such  sub 
dued  and  womanly  spirit,  as  may  make  you  a  more 
pleased  and  willing  prisoner  to  your  marriage  bonds. 

As  for  me,  I  may  soon  pitch  my  tent  beside  you 
in  Virginia.  My  mother  is  almost  persuaded  to  go 
thither.  We  are  now  overwhelmed  with  guests  whom 
she  hath  succored  in  the  terrible  scourge  that  hath 
fallen  upon  all  about  us.  Many  are  without  homes, 
and,  though  they  draw  largely  upon  our  hospitality, 
my  mother  says,  with  the  sweet  patience  that  so  well 
befits  her,  that  "  both  her  health  and  her  purse  being 
the  gift  of  her  Lord,  she  has  naught  to  do,  but  spend 
both  in  His  service."  I  believe  her  wishes  may  all  be 
summed  in  this, — "  Utprosim!  " 

Your  warning  to  me  concerning  George  Baxter 
was  owlishly  wise.  I  had  him  removed  to  the  debtor's 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  331 

room  in  the  Stadt  Huys.  He  hath  forfeited  bail  and 
escaped  to  New  England,  whereby  my  purse  suffers 
another  leak,  not  so  mildly  borne  as  leaks  to  better 
use.  But  this  writing  must  suffice.  We  await  your 
return  with  impatient  outlook. 

Item.     Mary  Tilton  is  carried  away  prisoner  by 
the  Indians.     A  large  ransom  may  recover  her  if  she 
does  not  too  quickly  wilt,  like  a  plucked  heart's  ease. 
Yours,  HENRY  MOODY,  Bart. 


332  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 


XXVII. 

THEEE  was  a  gentle  tap  at  Constance's  chamber 
door,  a  little  while  after  we  left  her  seeking  heavenly 
direction.  It  was  Lady  Grey,  just  returned  from  St. 
Paul's  Walk,  where  Lord  D'Arcy  had  told  her  of  Con 
stance's  illness  and  return  home. 

"  My  dear  child,  why  did  you  not  let  me  return 
with  you  ? "  she  asked. 

"  I  could  not  seek  you  without  all  eyes  beholding 
my  suffering,"  Constance  replied. 

"  What  caused  it  ? " 

"  My  heart  doubtless,"  she  answered,  smiling. 

"  Have  you  suffered  thus  hitherto  ? "  asked  Lady 
Grey,  alarmed. 

"  Twice,  since  I  abode  in  England." 

"  Why  then  did  you  not  make  it  known  to  me, 
that  I  might  summon  a  physician  ?  "  was  the  reproach 
ful  question. 

"  Because  I  knew  none  had  power  to  help  me," 
she  replied  sadly.  Lady  Grey  was  silent.  Then  she 
spoke  hesitatingly. 

"  Are  you  aware  that  heart-disease  foretells  sud 
den  deatli  ? " 

"  Yes,  I  know  it  well,"  replied  Constance,  calmly. 

"And  you  are  unmoved  !  Does  such  a  summons 
hold  no  fears  for  you  ?  " 

a  I  will  not  say — none.     Life  is  very  sweet.     Yet 


CONSTANCE  AYLMEE.  333 

I  seek  to  hold  myself  ready,"  said  Constance.  Tears 
were  springing  to  her  eyes,  but  she  made  a  strong 
effort  to  repress  them.  There  was  a  long  silence. 

"  I  confess  I  do  not  wholly  understand  you,"  said 
Lady  Grey,  rallying.  "  You  are  at  once  so  gentle 
and  so  strong  that  you  are  a  riddle  to  me,  except  I 
keep  in  mind  that  you  combine  father  and  mother  in 
one.  You  face  the  possibilities  of  death,  much  as 
Sir  Egbert  Aylmer  faced  persecution,  and  I  can  no 
more  mould  you  to  my  will  than  I  could  your  Puritan 
mother,  albeit  you  are  as  mild  as  she.  What  is  this 
secret  of  your  Puritan  faith  ?  " 

"I  know  no  secret  but  this;  nor  by  what  name  it 
is  truly  signified.  I  desire  to  commit  myself,  and  all 
of  which  I  hold  the  stewardship,  to  my  Saviour,  and 
to  live  in  such  wise  as  not  to  offend  him  any  more 
than  I  would  offend  a  most  loving  father  and  mother." 

"  Love  is  your  secret  then  !  "  said  Lady  Grey.  u  I 
wish  such  love  moved  all  the  Puritans  who  seem  so 
filled  with  fear  of  God  that  they  make  life  hatefully 
solemn  and  bleak.  It  is  this  which  repels  us,  and 
causes  such  as  Lord  D'Arcy  to  delight  in  calling  them 
selves  '  Kattleheads  and  Impuritans.1  This  reminds 
me  that  Lord  D'Arcy  is  offended  that  Alice  does  not 
smile  of  late  upon  his  railleries.  She  came  one  day 
to  your  chamber  door,  to  seek  }rour  help  in  working 
some  lace,  when  she  was  hindered  at  hearing  the 
voice  of  Rose  within,  pleading  in  such  wise  for  her 
before  God,  that  she  was  melted  to  tears,  and  has  been 
troubled  since." 

"  "We  were  holding  our  morning  devotions,"  Con- 


334  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

stance  explained,  "  which  we  have  done  since  we  came 
hither." 

"  But-,"  said  Lady  Grey,  with  some  coldness,  "  I 
would  not  have  you  so  disturb  Alice  as  to  hinder  her 
happiness  with  her  future  husband.  She  is  well 
enough — an  obedient  daughter — and  I  would  not  have 
any  Puritan  leannigs  thwart  her  marriage." 

Constance  was  too  surprised  at  this  mother's  evi 
dent  wish  to  secure  an  advantageous  marriage,  rather 
than  true  peace  of  mind,  to  be  able  to  make  any  re 
ply.  Lady  Grey  arose,  and  kissed  her  as  if  to  heal 
any  wounds  she  might  have  inflicted. 

"  Command  me,  or  any  thing  in  my  house  for  your 
benefit  or  pleasure.  I  would  there  were  more  like 
you,"  said  she. 

In  going,  she  met  Maurice,  who  came  to  summon 
her  below.  She  found  Lord  Huntington  waiting  for 
her.  He,  also,  had  heard  of  Constance's  illness  at  St. 
Paul's  Walk,  and  called  to  inquire  how  serious  it 
might  be.  Lady  Grey  explained,  adding  that  she 
would  probably  be  in  her  usual  strength  to-morrow. 

"  But,  madam,  you  shock  me.  Does  she  know 
that  this  may  one  day  prove  suddenly  fatal  ?  " 

"  Yes.  She  speaks  as  calmly  as  if  the  going  out 
of  this  world  into  another  was  a  thing  to  be  happily 
endured." 

Lord  Huntington  was  indeed  shocked.  Such 
tidings  were  so  unlocked  for !  So  unwelcome,  now  ! 
He  arose  and  walked  back  and  forth  in  silence,  evi 
dently  agitated.  Then  suddenly  stopping  before 
Lady  Grey,  he  spoke  to  her  in  a  low  tone,  but  with 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  335 

deliberate  accent.  It  was  her  turn  to  show  emo 
tion. 

"  Tou  do  Constance  a  great  honor,"  was  her  reply 
to  the  question  we  have  not  heard.  "  It  would  give 
us  all  happiness.  But  is  not  this  sudden  ?  " 

"  No,  madam.  It  was  my  resolve  the  first  time  I 
saw  her.  This  resolve  has  strengthened  every  hour 
that  I  have  since  spent  in  her  sweet  company.  Will 
you  be  the  bearer  of  my  message  ? "  said  he. 

"  Most  willingly,  my  lord." 

While  he  wrote  it,  Lady  Grey  sat  wondering  at 
an  event  in  which  she  had  taken  no  pajt.  That  Con 
stance,  without  her  help,  should  have  won  the  heart 
of  a  man  whom  the  most  ambitious  London  belle  had 
not  been  able  to  compass,  was  more  than  she  could 
yet  comprehend.  The  supposed  absurdity  of  it  had 
utterly  blinded  her  eyes,  in  all  these  months,  to  the 
progress  of  an  affection  which  Sir  Henry,  with  better 
appreciation,  had  perceived  in  the  beginning. 

"  You  will  permit  me  to  break  these  orange 
flowers?"  said  Lord  Huntington,  interrupting  her 
thoughts. 

"  As  many  as  please  your  purpose,"  she  replied. 
She  always  kept  her  apartments  perfumed  with  the 
choicest  blossoms.  The  fragrance,  if  not  the  beauty 
or  gracefulness  of  the  flowers,  pleased  her  senses. 

Lord  Huntington  sealed  his  note  by  thrusting 
through  it  a  stem  laden  with  the  significant  blossoms. 
It  contained  but  few  words. 

"  Give  to  me  so  much  of  your  precious  life  as  re- 


338  CONSTANCE   AYLMEE. 

mains.  The  balmy  air  of  France  or  Italy  may  unite 
with  my  assiduous  care  to  prolong  a  life  more  dear  to 
me  than  any  other  that  earth  holds. 

"  HUNTIXGTON." 

He  gave  this  to  Lady  Grey,  and  immediately  re 
turned  home.  Undoubtedly,  lie  expected  an  early 
reply  to  a  proposal  made  under  such  peculiar  circum 
stances,  lie  was  disappointed  in  not  hearing  from 
Constance  that  night,  and  still  more,  when  he  return 
ed  the  next  daj'-from  the  Parliament  House  and  found 
no  answer.  He  had  invited  a  friend  to  dine  with  him 
that  day,  and  gave  himself  as  courteously  to  his  en 
tertainment  as  if  no  such  disturbing  weight  was  upon 
his  mind.  This  friend  was  no  other  than  Mr.  Mor- 
daunt,  whose  arrival  he  had  early  discovered. 

After  dinner,  when  the  cloth  was  removed,  and 
they  sat  together  alone,  Lord  ITuntington  asked  Mr. 
Mordaunt  if  it  was  his  purpose  to  remain  in  England. 

"  The  colonies  do  not  attract  me  strongly,"  was  the 
reply,  "yet  I  may  go  thither  again.  Such  a  decision 
rests  altogether  with  another." 

"  Indeed  ? "  remarked  Lord  II.,  waiting  for  further 
explanation,  if  his  friend  chose  to  give  it. 

"  You  were  once  good  enough  to  bestow  an  interest 
upon  my  affairs,"  continued  Mr.  Mordaunt.  "Per 
haps  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  make  known  to  you  the 
reason  of  my  voyage  hither.  I  crave  your  help  also." 

"  I  am  ever  at  your  service,"  replied  Lord  II. 

"  I  told  you  yesterday  of  the  loss  of  my  wife,"  he 
added.  "  Elsie  was  a  sprightly  girl  whom  I  married 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEE.  337 

in  a  fit  of  jealous  passion.  I  loved  one,  of  whom  I 
can  never  speak  with  composure,  knowing  that,  by  my 
own  act,  I  lost  as  gracious  a  woman  as  ever  lived ; 
whose  beauty  and  whose  purity  of  soul  can  be  com 
pared  to  none  other,  and  whose  heart  was  so  wholly 
given  to  me  that  it  well  nigh  folded  her  in  the  grave, 
when  she  discovered  what  a  gulf  I  had,  by  my  own 
will,  fixed  between  us.  My  own  sufferings  when  I 
beheld  in  my  right  senses  what  folly  I  had  commit 
ted,  were  hardly  less,  as  you  may  see  in  my  bleached 
locks." 

"Do  you  seek  now  to  repair  that  folly?"  asked 
Lord  Huntington,  with  a  keen  pang  of  suspicion  that 
this  gracious  person  was  no  other  than  Constance 
Aylmer.  He  had  not  forgotten  her  agitation  at  the 
sudden  discovery  of  his  acquaintance  with  Mordaunt. 

"  I  would  repair  it,  but  I  was  dismayed  yesterday 
at  the  very  beginning  of  my  hopes,"  was  the  reply. 

"That  most  sweet  and  gracious  person  is  here 
then." 

"  Yes.  I  met  her  yesterday  in  St.  Paul's  Walk,  for 
the  first  time  since  I  saw  her  white  face  on  my  wed 
ding-day.  Her  hand  even  rested  in  mine.  But  she 
withdrew  it,  not  with  scorn,  but  with  so  great  pain  in 
her  countenance  and  so  frightened  an  air,  that  I  was 
transfixed  while  she  disappeared.  I  sought  her  again, 
but  could  nowhere  find  her.  I  know  not  now  how  to 
proceed  without  a  friend,  lest  I  offend  her." 

Lord  Huntington  sat  in  thoughtful  reverie.  There 
was  no  longer  any  uncertainty.      Constance's  illness 
was  explained.     She  owed  to  this  man  the  sufferings 
15 


338  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

which  would  shorten  her  life.  She  loved  him  still, 
doubtless.  This  was  why  no  answer  had  yet  been 
returned  to  his  own  pleadings. 

"  I  will  serve  you  in  this  if  the  power  lies  in  me 
so  to  do,"  said  he  presently,  rising  and  leading  the 
way  to  another  apartment,  for  the  sake  of  concealing 
his  own  emotions.  "  I  know  of  whom  you  speak.  She 
is  at  Lord  Grey's,  where  I  have  liberty  to  see  her.  I 
will  prepare  the  way  for  you." 

Mordaunt  was  overwhelmed  at  this  discovery,  at 
so  much  unexpected  interest,  and  at  the  happy  turn 
which  events  seemed  taking.  If  he  had  not  been  so 
entirely  occupied  with  his  own  excited  feelings,  he 
might  have  noticed  the  change  which  the  countenance 
of  his  noble  friend  had  undergone  since  his  coming, 
and  marked  the  rare  thoughtfulness  he  bestowed  upon 
a  matter  which  concerned  only  others.  When  the 
latter  added  that  he  would  see  Constance  to-day,  and 
that  Mordaunt  might  call  upon  him  to-morrow  and 
know  her  will  iii  receiving  him,  he  was  more  than 
satisfied,  and  went  away  rejoicing  with  fresh  hope. 

Lord  Huntington  was  earnest  and  honorable  in 
this  arrangement.  He  believed  now  that  Constance 
loved  Mordaunt.  Her  happiness  was  above  every 
other  consideration.  He  was  generous  enough  even 
to  consent  to  intercede  for  his  friend,  though  not  with 
out  an  inward  struggle.  Poignant  as  was  his  own 
disappointment,  he  was  willing  to  withdraw  all  claims 
to  her  hand.  With  this  intention,  he  went  to  Lord 
Grey's. 

He  doubted  if  he  could  see  her.     Perhaps  she  was 


CONSTANCE    AYLMEK.  339 

not  recovered.  He  was  surprised  therefore  upon  en 
tering  the  drawing-room  to  see  her  there  as  freshly 
beautiful  as  ever,  and  especially  charming  in  a  robe  of 
silver-grey,  slashed  with  blue.  She  received  him  with 
embarrassment,  for  she  did  not  yet  know  how  she 
could  reply  to  his'  note  of  yesterday.  She  wished  to 
undeceive  him  if  he  supposed  her  heart  had  never 
been  given  to  another,  and  possibly  this  knowledge 
might  alter  his  affection  for  her.  But  she  had  resolv 
ed  to  tell  him  all  that  had  happened.  He  led  her  to 
a  seat  and  took  a  chair  opposite  her. 

"  I  have  come,"  said  he,  "  to  plead  for  a  friend  be 
fore  receiving  your  reply  to  my  suit.  I  would  in  no 
wise  stand  in  the  way  of  your  best  happiness.  You 
know  that  Mr.  Mordaunt  is  come  hither  to  seek  you. 
He  has  told  me  all.  He  is  free  to  offer  you  his  hand 
once  more,  but,  not  understanding  your  emotion  yes 
terday,  he  cannot  present  himself  in  your  presence 
without  permission." 

Constance  sat  with  downcast  eyes. 

"  I  did  not  then  know  that  Elsie  is  no  longer  liv 
ing.  A  letter  from  Sir  Henry  made  every  thing  known 
to  me,  after  my  return  from  St.  Paul's." 

"  You  will  receive  him,  then.  Forget  my  note ; 
not  that  I  willingly  yield  my  own  hopes  of  most  ex 
cellent  happiness,  but  that  I  would  do  that  which 
most  perfectly  promotes  yours,"  said  Lord  Huntington, 
rising  as  if  to  end  a  painful  interview.  Constance 
looked  up,  beseechingly. 

"  Do  not  go,  my  lord,  I  wish  to  speak  with  you  of 
this.  Yesterday,  I  could  have  flown  to  you  alone  for 


340  COXSTAXCE  ATLMER. 

counsel,  but  my  fears  hindered  me.  To-day,  since 
you  know  all  the  sad  history,  I  can  unseal  my  lips. 
Sit,  I  pray  you,  and  answer  me."  Lord  Huntington 
needed  no  second  appeal.  He  resumed  his  seat. 

"  Is  it  possible  for  one's  being  so  to  change  that 
things  which  once  gave  happiness  can  satisfy  no 
longer  ? " 

"  Yes,"  was  the  emphatic  reply. 

"  Is  it  possible,  then,  for  one's  heart  to  retain  its 
integrity  if  it  plays  false  to  that  upon  which  it  was 
once  fixed,  and  attaches  itself  to  an  infinitely  more 
satisfying  object  ? " 

"Yes.  You  cannot  stay  the  growth  of  the  soul. 
Its  stronger  needs  may  justly  be  supplied,  if  no  laws 
of  God  or  man  forbid." 

"  Then,  to  forsake  the  love  of  undeveloped  youth 
is  not  to  be  wholly  condemned.  You  lighten  my 
doubts  to  assent  thus.  I  am  no  more  that  Constance 
who  loved  Edward  Mordaunt,  three  years  ago.  I 
believe  now,  he  was  not  the  being  that  the  magic  of 
my  fancy  pictured  him.  That  ideal  which  I  loved  so 
fervently,  is  filled  out  wholly  by  another." 

"  And  that  other  ? "  said  Lord  Huntington, 

bending  his  earnest  eyes  upon  Constance's  still  down 
cast  face. 

"  Is  Lord  Huntington  ! "  she  added  in  a  trembling 
voice. 

"  Constance !  My  wife !  "  he  exclaimed,  rising  sud 
denly  and  folding  her  in  his  arms. 

And  how  was  this  to  be  told  to  Mr.  Mordaunt  ?  Con 
stance  wished  to  see  him.  Lord  Huntington  could  not 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  341 

have  the  effrontery  to  keep  the  appointment  the  next 
day,  however  upright  his  motives  had  been.  Con 
stance  resolved  to  address  him  a  note  herself,  request 
ing  an  interview.  She  trusted  that  when  he  under 
stood  her  frankly,  he  would  suffer  less  keen  disap 
pointment  'than  if  she  permitted  him  to  return  to 
America  without  seeing  her.  The  visit  was  according 
ly  arranged  for  the  next  day. 

When  the  hour  arrived,  she  found  herself  much 
agitated.  What  could  she  say  ?  She  began  to  be  alarm 
ed  at  the  difficulty  and  delicacy  of  the  subject.  She 
might  have  met  it  composedly  without  thought  or 
plan  ;  but  the  more  she  meditated  what  she  ought  to 
say  and  what  he  would  probably  reply,  the  more  she 
shrank  from  the  task.  And  to  think  it  should  ever 
become  a  dreaded  task  to  speak  to  Edward  Mordaunt ! 
She  felt  there  was  something  sad  in  this  changeful- 
ness  of  one's  nature. 

He  came  at  last.  This  was  not  like  their  first 
meeting  at  St.  Paul's.  Constance  was  tremulous,  but 
open  and  cheerful.  Mordaunt  was  graver  than  ever 
she  had  seen  him,  but  he  possessed  all  the  old  ease 
and  nonchalance  which  had  once  so  attracted  her. 
His  handsome  face  still  carried  its  romantic  dreami 
ness,  his  eyes  still  retained  their  habit  of  fixing  upon 
her  countenance  or  studying  the  arrangement  of  her 
dress,  which  had  often*  been  a  source  of  so  much  con 
fusion  to  her.  Even  now,  she  felt  the  discomfort  of 
criticism,  and  almost  expected  him  to  find  fault  at 
once  with  her  slippers,  or  comment  whimsically  upon 
the  simplicity  of  her  ornaments  or  the  disposal  of  the 


342  CONSTANCE   AYLMEK. 

coil  of  her  hair.  She  could  not  even  now  prevail 
upon  her  eyes  to  meet  his  clearly,  though  remember 
ing  well  how  he  used  to  chide  her  for  this  excessive 
shrinking.  So  there  she  sat  before  him  frightened  and 
trembling,  not  knowing  what  to  say,  although  she  had 
summoned  him.  It  was  a  relief  to  her  when  he  broke 
the  silence. 

"  But  for  your  note,  Constance,  I  should  not  have 
trusted  myself  to  come  hither.  I  should  have  fore- 
borne  to  see  you,  and  sailed  for  America  in  a  few 
days." 

Constance  looked  up,  her  face  full  of  timid  inquiry. 
She  wondered  if  Lord  Huntington  had  spared  her  the 
necessity  of  explanation.  He  hesitated  to  continue. 
At  length  he  added  slowly,  and  in  a  voice  betraying 
depression  and  almost  despair, 

"A  letter,  which  seems  to  have  pursued  me  on 
the  wings  of  the  wind,  reached  me  this  morning,  and 
bids  my  speedy  return.  It  kills  all  my  hopes.  It 
binds  me  an  unwilling  prisoner.  It  is  no  more  pos 
sible  for  me  to  throw  myself  at  your  feet,  and  seek  to 
repair  that  woeful  wound  I  inflicted  not  only  upon 
you,  but  upon  myself,  also.  I  am  forced  to  abide  by 
the  destiny  I  chose  in  my  madness." 

Constance's  eyes  were  fixed  intently  upon  him. 
Mordaunt  hardly  dared  to  proceed.  If  she  still  loved 
him,  might  not  this  second  trjal  break,  altogether, 
the  cord  which  had  once  almost  snapped  asunder 
through  his  cruelty  ?  But  seeing  her  suspense,  he 
asked, 

"  "Would  it  be  sorrowful  to  you,  still,  to  know  that 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  343 

Elsie — that  my  wife — is  living  ? — was  saved  from  the 
wreck  ? " 

Surprise  at  this  announcement,  sympathy  and  pity 
for  Mordaunt,  relief  from  the  unwilling  task  she  had 
to  perform,  grateful  joy  that  she  had  been  saved  from 
fixing  her  heart  longer  upon  this  man,  all  together 
crowded  into  Constance's  thoughts  and  overcame  her 
with  tears.  Mordaunt  longed  to  shelter,  to  console 
her;  but  his  honor  bound  him.  He  could  say  no 
more.  He  could  only  bow  his  head  with  a  sense  of 
humiliation  and  sorrow  that  was  agonizing. 

"I  would  not  have  you  misunderstand  my  tears," 
said  Constance.  "  It  is  well,  it  is  happiest  for  us  all, 
that  you  know  that  Elsie  lives.  That  which  I  would 
say  and  know  not  how  to  speak  will  not  so  wound 
you,  since  your  destiny  is  fixed  without  me.  My  love 
which  you  can  no  more  seek,  is  flown  so  that  you 
could  not  find  it,  even  though  you  were  free.  I  still 
feel  tenderly  toward  you,  remembering  those  sweet 
days  at  Moody  Hall.  You  will  always  remain  in  my 
thoughts  with  a  strange  interest,  unlike  that  I  hold 
for  others ;  yet  my  love  is  given  to  another." 

"To  Lord  Huntington!"  exclaimed  Mordaunt. 
"  Fool  that  I  did  not  see  it !  " 

"  He  interceded  for  you,  Edward,  believing  truly 
that  I  might  be  so  minded  as  not  to  forsake  you  for 
him."  There  was  so  much  of  the  old  uprising  of  a 
jealous  spirit  and  wounded  sensibility  in  Mordaunt, 
that  Constance  took  his  hand  appealingly. 

"  I  do  not  speak  thus  to  wound  you.  I  would  not 
willingly  do  that.  It  is  only  that  you  may  return 


344/  CONSTANCE   AYLMER. 

with  an  eased  and  glad  heart  to  Elsie,  holding  your 
self  forever  free  from  regrets  for  me.  Our  sorrow 
thus  healed,  is  not  without  some  precious  fruits. 
We  have  both  grown  into  larger  natures  doubtless, 
through  suffering.  This  world,  at  once  so  bright  and 
so  dark,  may  yet  yield  to  us  much  sweet  happiness — 
the  more  sweet  for  the  hope  of  reaching  a  higher 
heaven,  after  this  life." 

Mordaunt  made  no  reply.  This  silence  was  pain 
ful  to  both.  At  last  he  arose,  and  grasping  her  hand, 
kissed  it  fervently,  and  said  with  broken  utterance, 

"  God  bless  you !  precious  Constance  !  Farewell, 
farewell  on  earth !  "  He  turned,  and  without  once 
looking  back,  left  the  room,  and  went  quickly  away 
to  his  inn. 

Constance  did  not  see  him  again.  He  sailed  the 
following  week  in  "  The  Hope"  for  New  Amsterdam. 

Lord  Huntington  was  anxious  to  convey  Constance 
to  the  Continent,  both  to  enjoy  the  invigorating  air, 
and  with  the  hope  that  a  calm,  happy  life  might  de 
lay,  and  perhaps  altogether  arrest  the  progress  of  the 
dread  disease,  which  she  had  so  silently  contemplated 
as  fatal.  At  his  wish — not  to  be  disputed — the  be- 
trothment  was  celebrated  immediately,  and  the  mar 
riage  appointed  for  May.  Lady  Grey  desired  to  give 
a  magnificent  wedding ;  Constance  wished  it  to  take 
place  with  quiet  elegance,  and  she  prevailed  in  her 
calm  way. 

"  You  will  at  least  no  longer  refuse  diamonds,  as 
not  befitting  your  estate,"  said  Lady  Grey,  in  deciding 


CONSTANCE  AYLMER.  845 

upon  the  important  trousseau.  Constance  looked  at 
her  in  dismay. 

"  I  have  nothing  wherewith  to  buy  them  !  .Are 
they  indeed  needful  ?  Will  Lord  Huntington  think 
me  poorly  arrayed  without  them  ?  " 

"  Your  whole  quarterly  income  lies  untouched," 
replied  her  aunt  with  slight  asperity.  "  That  will 
not  forbid  a  moderate  purchase  of  jewels,  beside  a 
handsome  wardrobe." 

"  It  is  wholly  gone  ! "  exclaimed  Constance,  not  a 
little  frightened  at  Lady  Grey's  expected  displeasure. 

"  Gone  ?     Whither  ?  " 

"  Over  the  sea.  I  sent  it  all  to  those  homeless 
people  in  Gravesend,  who  have  not  where  to  lay  their 
heads,  as  Aunt  Deborah  wrote  me.  I  did  think  I 
could  well  spare  it  for  their  sufferings,  when  I  pos 
sessed  so  abundant  happiness  here." 

"  You  did  wisely  not  to  consult  me,"  said  Lady 
Grey,  vexed  exceedingly.  "  I  wonder  that  you  ven 
tured  upon  this  alone." 

"  Lord  Grey  did  not  condemn  me.  lie  smiled 
upon  me,  and  himself  conveyed  it  to  Mr.  Mordaunt." 

"  It  is  altogether  like  him  to  permit  so  foolish  an 
outlay." 

"  He  thought,  no  more  than  I,  that  my  needs  would 
demand  a  large  sum  so  speedily,"  said  Constance,  in 
reply.  She  sat  thoughtful,  and,  Lady  Grey  hoped, 
penitent.  But  she  added  presently,  "Even  though 
I  had  known  my  need,  I  believe  I  could  not  have  for 
borne  to  send  wherewith  to  comfort  those  sorrowing 
people.  I  could  not  justly  have  kept  it  to  spend 
15* 


346  CONSTANCE   ATLMER. 

upon  baubles  to  shine  for  a  day  upon  my  bosom.  I 
believe  Lord  Huntington  will  forgive  ray  lack  of 
jewels,  for  the  sake  of  those  people  I  love  and 
pity." 

"  You  are  truly  worthy  of  a  republican  court," 
said  Lady  Grey,  scornfully.  "  But  you  shall  not  lack 
what  is  needful.  You  must  submit  these  decisions  to 
my  better  experience." 

Thus  it  was  settled.  Lady  Grey  would  permit 
nothing  but  the  costliest  raiment,  and  therefore  Con 
stance  was  not  Puritanic  in  her  bridal-dress.  On  the 
morning  of  the  brilliant  wedding,  she  found  a  package 
on  her  dressing-table,  containing  four-fold  the  sum 
which  her  aunt  had  condemned  her  for  expending  too 
generously.  A  note  accompanied  it,  with  only  these 
words : 

"  Give,  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  you ;  good 
measure,  pressed  down,  and  shaken  together,  and 
running  over,  shall  men  give  into  your  bosom.  For 
with  the  same  measure  that  ye  mete  withal,  it  shall 
be  measured  to  you  again." 

Constance  knew  that  Lady  Grey  did  not  send  it. 

A  few  days  afterward,  Lord  and  Lady  Huntington 
sailed  for  France.  In  parting,  Lady  Alice  whispered 
some  earnest  words. 

"  I  have  loved  and  hated  yoii,  all  at  once,  if  that 

were  possible,"  she  said.     "  Your  life,  since  you  came 

-hither,  has  preached  more  loudly  to  my  conscience 

than  any  of  Mr.  Goodwin's  sermons.     I  am  sorely 

vexed  in  spirit." 


CONSTANCE   AYLMER.  347 

"  Say,  '  my  Savior,  take  me  as  I  am,  and  mould 
me  to  thy  will.'  " 

"Lord  D'Arcy  stands  between!"  replied  Lady 
Alice. 

"Let  none  stand  between  your  soul  and  God," 
said  Constance,  turning  to  go.  She  turned  back 
again,  and  added,  "Alice,  my  cousin,  speak  your 
thoughts  to  your  father." 

"  I  cannot,  I  fear  my  mother ! "  she  whispered, 
with  tears  filling  her  eyes.  A  kiss,  a  loving  embrace, 
and  Constance  was  gone. 

Need  we  go  again  across  the  sea,  and  follow  that 
stately  file  of  mourners,  conveying  the  body  of  lyano 
to  rest  with  his  people  ?  Need  we  look  with  Elsie 
for  the  coming  of  the  ship  which  will  bring  back  to 
her  a  more  tender  husband  than  when  they  parted  at 
Jamestown,  so  long  ago  ?  "We  will  leave  them  all ; 
adding  only  that  Lady  Moody  and  Sir  Henry  sought 
a  new  home  in  Virginia,  and  that  history  records, 
later,  the  reception  of  Sir  Henry  as  ambassador  to 
New  Amsterdam. 


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